Dr. Richard Westbrook, M.D.
Contact & Location
915-313-6300
El Paso, TX 79912
Dr. Westbrook performs more knee replacement procedures than 7% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #454 of 489 ranked knee surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Westbrook
Practice. Dr. Richard Westbrook is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in El Paso, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 13 knee replacements. That is #454 in Texas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 11 years. Volume peaked at 68 in 2013 and stands at 13 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 13 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. El Paso has 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 31 | 20 |
| 2014 | 0 | 27 | 13 |
| 2015 | 12 | 22 | 12 |
| 2016 | 0 | 22 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 | 22 | 19 |
| 2018 | 0 | 28 | 13 |
| 2019 | 0 | 27 | 21 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 25 | 17 |
| 2022 | 0 | 17 | 15 |
| 2023 | 0 | 16 | 13 |
| 2024 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Westbrook Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Westbrook's recorded volume peaked at 68 procedures in 2013 and stood at 13 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.
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.
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.
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. Westbrook
How does Dr. Westbrook's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Westbrook has performed 13 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. Westbrook ranks #544 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Westbrook perform?
Dr. Westbrook's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Westbrook 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. Westbrook represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Westbrook's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 60 procedures against the 13 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Westbrook's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Westbrook's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 68 procedures in 2013 and was 13 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. Westbrook affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Westbrook is affiliated with Sierra Medical Center.
How does Dr. Westbrook compare to other orthopedic surgeons in El Paso?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in El Paso, Dr. Westbrook ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in El Paso has 110 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Westbrook 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. Westbrook's 13 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. Alvaro Hernandez | 35 | Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Alost | 29 | Knee |
| Dr. Eric Sides | 22 | Knee |
| Dr. Jason Vourazeris | 19 | 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.