Dr. Joel Cummings, MD
Dr. Joel Cummings is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wenatchee, Washington. Dr. Cummings has performed 170 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#1 in Washington) and 66 hip replacements, for a combined total of 236 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Cummings performs well above average in knee (170 vs 42 avg), above average in hip (66 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Cummings's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (170 cases) and hip replacements (66 cases).
Wenatchee is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wenatchee area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Cummings extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 80 to 236 in the most recent data, a 195% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Cummings's 170 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #109 nationally.
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. Cummings Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Contact & Location
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cummings's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 195% from 80 procedures in 2013 to 236 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Cummings
How does Dr. Cummings's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Cummings has performed 236 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Cummings ranks #2 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cummings perform?
Dr. Cummings's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (170 cases) and hip replacement (66 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Cummings with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Cummings ranks #1 in Washington for knee replacement with 170 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 202 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cummings in Wenatchee?
Yes. There are 5 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. Cummings 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. Cummings's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 236 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Cummings's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Cummings's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 80 procedures in 2013 to 236 in the most recent data, a 195% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 236 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Cummings perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Cummings's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (170 cases), hip replacement (66 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cummings affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cummings is affiliated with Confluence Health Hospital, Quincy Valley Hospital, North Valley Hospital.
How does Dr. Cummings compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wenatchee?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Wenatchee, Dr. Cummings ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Cummings has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cummings practices?
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. Cummings's 236 Medicare procedures are above the Wenatchee average of 100. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wenatchee.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Dahl | 100 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Sean Caskey | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Rossi | 64 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brannon Orton | 25 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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