Dr. Christopher Van Hofwegen, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Van Hofwegen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bellingham, Washington. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Van Hofwegen has completed 38 knee replacements (#59 in Washington), 37 hip replacements, and 11 shoulder replacements, totaling 86 Medicare-verified procedures.
Dr. Van Hofwegen's combined volume of 86 procedures places them above the Washington statewide average of 59. Among 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington, Dr. Van Hofwegen ranks #49 overall.
Dr. Van Hofwegen performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (38 cases), followed by hip replacements (37) and shoulder replacements (11).
Bellingham is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bellingham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Van Hofwegen extend back to 2015, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 86 in 2023, a 562% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Nationally, Dr. Van Hofwegen's 86 Medicare procedures place them in the top 24% of all 8,293 orthopedic surgeons tracked by OrthoProcedures.com.
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.
Preparing for Knee Replacement?
Browse surgeon-recommended, highly-rated recovery products — wound care, cold therapy, mobility aids, and more.
Browse Recovery ProductsContact & Location
Bellingham, WA 98225
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Van Hofwegen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 562% from 13 procedures in 2015 to 86 in 2023.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Van Hofwegen
How does Dr. Van Hofwegen's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Van Hofwegen has performed 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Van Hofwegen ranks #49 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Van Hofwegen perform?
Dr. Van Hofwegen performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (38 cases), hip replacement (37 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Van Hofwegen in Bellingham?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bellingham 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. Van Hofwegen 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. Van Hofwegen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 86 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Van Hofwegen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Van Hofwegen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2015 to 86 in 2023, a 562% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 86 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Van Hofwegen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Van Hofwegen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases), hip replacement (37 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Van Hofwegen among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Van Hofwegen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Van Hofwegen is affiliated with Peacehealth St Joseph Medical Center.
How does Dr. Van Hofwegen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bellingham?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bellingham, Dr. Van Hofwegen ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Van Hofwegen is among the highest-volume surgeons in Bellingham.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Van Hofwegen practices?
Peacehealth St Joseph Medical Center (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 Bellingham, Washington
Dr. Van Hofwegen's 86 Medicare procedures are above the Bellingham average of 54. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bellingham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joel Hoekema | 88 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Holstine | 44 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Oswin | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Gannon | 35 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Krusniak | 30 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.