Dr. Eric Puttler, M.D.
Contact & Location
253-845-9585
Puyallup, WA 98374
Dr. Puttler performs more hip replacement procedures than 4% of orthopedic surgeons in Washington, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #104 of 109 ranked hip surgeons in Washington.
About Dr. Puttler
Practice. Dr. Eric Puttler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Puyallup, Washington. The latest annual CMS data records 13 hip replacements. That is #104 in Washington for hip replacement. Dr. Puttler also holds credentials in Orthopaedic Trauma. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2020 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 13, up 18%.
National context. Among 4,542 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 13 procedures is below the national average of 36. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Puyallup 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 | Hip Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13 |
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 25% to 33% for hip 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. Puttler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Puttler's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 18% from 11 procedures in 2020 to 13 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 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. Puttler
How does Dr. Puttler's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Puttler has performed 13 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. Puttler ranks #183 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Puttler perform?
Dr. Puttler's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip 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. Puttler in Puyallup?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Puyallup 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. Puttler 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 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Puttler's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 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. Puttler's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Puttler's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2020 to 13 in the most recent data, a 18% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 13 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Puttler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Puttler is affiliated with Multicare Good Samaritan Hospital, Tacoma General Allenmore Hospital.
How does Dr. Puttler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Puyallup?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Puyallup, Dr. Puttler ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Puyallup has 66 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Puttler practices?
Multicare Good Samaritan Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Tacoma General Allenmore Hospital (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 Puyallup, Washington
Dr. Puttler's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Puyallup average of 33. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Puyallup.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Steedman | 66 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Wyman | 47 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Degenfelder | 36 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Hung | 23 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Nathan Bowers | 14 | 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.