Dr. Joel Hoekema, M.D.
Dr. Joel Hoekema is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bellingham, Washington. Dr. Hoekema has performed 51 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#29 in Washington) and 37 knee replacements, for a combined total of 88 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Hoekema performs above average in hip (51 vs 38 avg), near average in knee (37 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Hoekema's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (51 cases) and knee replacements (37 cases).
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. Hoekema extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 75 to 88 in the most recent data, a 17% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hoekema's 51 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. Hoekema Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Contact & Location
Bellingham, WA 98225
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hoekema's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 17% from 75 procedures in 2013 to 88 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.
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.
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. Hoekema
How does Dr. Hoekema's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Hoekema has performed 88 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hoekema ranks #45 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hoekema perform?
Dr. Hoekema's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (51 cases) and knee replacement (37 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hoekema 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. Hoekema 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. Hoekema's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 88 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hoekema's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hoekema's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 75 procedures in 2013 to 88 in the most recent data, a 17% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 94 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Hoekema perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hoekema's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (51 cases), knee replacement (37 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hoekema affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hoekema is affiliated with Peacehealth St Joseph Medical Center.
How does Dr. Hoekema compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bellingham?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bellingham, Dr. Hoekema ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hoekema has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hoekema 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. Hoekema's 88 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. Christopher Van Hofwegen | 86 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| 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
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