Dr. Donald Ellingsen, M.D.
Dr. Donald Ellingsen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spokane, Washington. Dr. Ellingsen has performed 45 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#35 in Washington) and 41 knee replacements, for a combined total of 86 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Ellingsen performs near average in hip (45 vs 38 avg), near average in knee (41 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Ellingsen's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (45 cases) and knee replacements (41 cases).
Spokane is home to 17 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Spokane area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ellingsen extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 18 to 86 in the most recent data, a 378% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ellingsen's 45 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Ellingsen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Contact & Location
Spokane, WA 99204
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ellingsen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 378% from 18 procedures in 2013 to 86 in the most recent data.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Ellingsen
How does Dr. Ellingsen's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Ellingsen has performed 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ellingsen ranks #48 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ellingsen perform?
Dr. Ellingsen's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (45 cases) and knee replacement (41 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ellingsen in Spokane?
Yes. There are 17 orthopedic surgeons in Spokane 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. Ellingsen 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. Ellingsen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 86 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ellingsen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ellingsen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2013 to 86 in the most recent data, a 378% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 105 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Ellingsen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ellingsen's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (45 cases), knee replacement (41 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Ellingsen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Spokane?
Among the 17 orthopedic surgeons in Spokane, Dr. Ellingsen ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Spokane has 144 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Spokane, Washington
Dr. Ellingsen's 86 Medicare procedures are below the Spokane average of 101. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Spokane.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alexander Reichard | 144 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Drumm | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brett Mulawka | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael McDonald | 95 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Lovell | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chad Harbour | 76 | Hip, Knee |
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