Dr. Brannon Orton, M.D.
Contact & Location
509-663-8711
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Dr. Orton performs more knee replacement procedures than 58% of orthopedic surgeons in Washington, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #61 of 146 ranked knee surgeons in Washington.
About Dr. Orton
Practice. Dr. Brannon Orton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wenatchee, Washington. The latest annual CMS data records 40 knee replacements. That is #61 in Washington for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2009.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 15 procedures a year to 40, up 167%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 40 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Wenatchee has 6 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 33 |
| 2017 | 33 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 40 |
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. Orton Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Orton's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 167% from 15 procedures in 2015 to 40 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.
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. Orton
How does Dr. Orton's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Orton has performed 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Washington average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Orton ranks #113 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Orton perform?
Dr. Orton's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 40 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Orton in Wenatchee?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Wenatchee 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 Washington surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Orton 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. Orton's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 40 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. Orton's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Orton's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2015 to 40 in the most recent data, a 167% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 40 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Orton affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Orton is affiliated with Samaritan Hospital, Confluence Health Hospital, Columbia Basin Hospital.
How does Dr. Orton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wenatchee?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Wenatchee, Dr. Orton ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Wenatchee has 188 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Orton practices?
Samaritan Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Confluence Health Hospital (4 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 Wenatchee, Washington
Dr. Orton's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Wenatchee average of 90. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wenatchee.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joel Cummings | 188 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Caskey | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Dahl | 92 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Rossi | 69 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Benjamin Albertson | 16 | 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.