Dr. Alvaro Hernandez, M.D.
Contact & Location
El Paso, TX 79912
Dr. Alvaro Hernandez is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in El Paso, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Hernandez has performed 35 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #204 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Hernandez performs near average in knee (35 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Hernandez's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 35 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
El Paso is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the El Paso area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Hernandez's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 89 procedures in 2014 before settling at 35 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Hernandez's 35 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Hernandez Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hernandez's recorded volume peaked at 89 procedures in 2014 and stood at 35 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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Hernandez
How does Dr. Hernandez's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Hernandez has performed 35 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hernandez ranks #330 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hernandez perform?
Dr. Hernandez's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 35 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hernandez in El Paso?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in El Paso 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hernandez 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. Hernandez's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hernandez's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hernandez's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 89 procedures in 2014 and was 35 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hernandez affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hernandez is affiliated with Sierra Medical Center.
How does Dr. Hernandez compare to other orthopedic surgeons in El Paso?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in El Paso, Dr. Hernandez ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hernandez is among the highest-volume surgeons in El Paso.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hernandez practices?
Sierra Medical Center (2 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 El Paso, Texas
Dr. Hernandez's 35 Medicare procedures are below the El Paso average of 38. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in El Paso.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Erick Torres | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carlos Gonzalez | 36 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Alost | 29 | Knee |
| Dr. Eric Sides | 22 | Knee |
| Dr. Jason Vourazeris | 19 | Shoulder |
| Dr. David Mansfield | 15 | 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.