Dr. David Hester, M.D.
Contact & Location
Mount Pleasant, TX 75455
Dr. David Hester is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Mount Pleasant, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hester has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #264 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Hester performs below average in knee (28 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Hester's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 28 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Hester holds additional credentials in Foot and Ankle Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Mount Pleasant is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Mount Pleasant 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 2013, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 18 to 28 in the most recent data, a 56% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hester's 28 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. Hester Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hester's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 56% from 18 procedures in 2013 to 28 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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 28 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. Hester ranks #376 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hester perform?
Dr. Hester's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 28 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hester in Mount Pleasant?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Mount Pleasant 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 28 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hester's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hester's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2013 to 28 in the most recent data, a 56% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 36 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hester affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hester is affiliated with Titus Regional Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hester practices?
Titus Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Mount Pleasant, Texas
Dr. Hester's 28 Medicare procedures are above the Mount Pleasant average of 22. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Mount Pleasant.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Pappas | 15 | 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.