Dr. Andrew Hester, M.D.
Contact & Location
Tyler, TX 75701
Dr. Andrew Hester is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tyler, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Hester has performed 99 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#37 in Texas) and 81 hip replacements, for a combined total of 180 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Hester performs well above average in knee (99 vs 42 avg), well above average in hip (81 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Hester's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (99 cases) and hip replacements (81 cases).
Tyler is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Tyler area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hester extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 30 to 180 in the most recent data, a 500% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hester's 99 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Hester Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hester's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 500% from 30 procedures in 2022 to 180 in the most recent data.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Hester
How does Dr. Hester's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Hester has performed 180 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hester ranks #20 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hester perform?
Dr. Hester's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (99 cases) and hip replacement (81 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hester in Tyler?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Tyler 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. Hester 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. Hester's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 180 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hester's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hester's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 30 procedures in 2022 to 180 in the most recent data, a 500% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 180 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Hester perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hester's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (99 cases), hip replacement (81 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hester affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hester is affiliated with Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, Ut Health East Texas Athens Hospital, Ut Health East Texas Tyler Regional Hospital, Christus Mother Frances Hospital, Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center.
How does Dr. Hester compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Tyler?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Tyler, Dr. Hester ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hester is among the highest-volume surgeons in Tyler.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hester practices?
Baylor Scott & White Texas Spine & Joint Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ut Health East Texas Athens Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ut Health East Texas Tyler Regional Hospital (1 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 Tyler, Texas
Dr. Hester's 180 Medicare procedures are above the Tyler average of 144. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Tyler.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Kaminski | 416 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Conflitti | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Roger McCown | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Hobbs | 79 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Volatile | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Wupperman | 72 | Shoulder |
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.