Dr. Joel Malin, MD
Contact & Location
203-337-2600
Fairfield, CT 06825
About Dr. Malin
Dr. Joel Malin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fairfield, Connecticut. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Malin performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#47 in Connecticut) and 19 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 38 procedures.
In Connecticut, Dr. Malin performs below the state average in knee (19 vs 33), below the state average in hip (19 vs 32).
Dr. Malin's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (19 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
Fairfield is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fairfield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Malin's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2017 before settling at 38 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Malin's 19 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 35 |
| 2014 | 19 | 23 |
| 2015 | 19 | 29 |
| 2016 | 18 | 33 |
| 2017 | 32 | 37 |
| 2018 | 16 | 27 |
| 2019 | 16 | 20 |
| 2020 | 23 | 29 |
| 2021 | 22 | 26 |
| 2022 | 25 | 20 |
| 2023 | 35 | 28 |
| 2024 | 19 | 19 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Malin Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Connecticut state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Malin's recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2017 and stood at 38 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Malin
How does Dr. Malin's procedure volume compare to other Connecticut surgeons?
Dr. Malin has performed 38 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Connecticut average is 49 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Malin ranks #48 out of 94 orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Malin perform?
Dr. Malin's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Malin in Fairfield?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Fairfield in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Connecticut surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Malin represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Malin's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 38 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Malin's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Malin's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2017 and was 38 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Malin perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Malin's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases), hip replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Malin affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Malin is affiliated with St Vincent'S Medical Center, Bridgeport Hospital.
How does Dr. Malin compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fairfield?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Fairfield, Dr. Malin ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Malin has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Malin practices?
St Vincent'S Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bridgeport Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Fairfield, Connecticut
Dr. Malin's 38 Medicare procedures are above the Fairfield average of 27. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fairfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Morrison | 28 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dante Brittis | 28 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Adam Driesman | 13 | Knee |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.