Dr. Judd Fitzgerald, M.D.
Contact & Location
509-460-5588
Kennewick, WA 99336
About Dr. Fitzgerald
Dr. Judd Fitzgerald is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kennewick, Washington. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Fitzgerald performed 40 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #13 in Washington.
In Washington, Dr. Fitzgerald performs above the state average in shoulder (40 vs 28).
Dr. Fitzgerald's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 40 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Kennewick is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Kennewick area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Fitzgerald also maintains hospital privileges in WA and OR, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Washington.
Dr. Fitzgerald's Medicare data spans 7 years, beginning in 2018. Volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2021 before settling at 40 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Fitzgerald's 40 verified procedures is above the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 11 | 11 |
| 2019 | 0 | 26 |
| 2020 | 18 | 44 |
| 2021 | 26 | 51 |
| 2022 | 0 | 35 |
| 2023 | 0 | 29 |
| 2024 | 0 | 40 |
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. Fitzgerald Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Fitzgerald's recorded volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2021 and stood at 40 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Fitzgerald
How does Dr. Fitzgerald's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Fitzgerald has performed 40 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. Fitzgerald ranks #114 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Fitzgerald perform?
Dr. Fitzgerald's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 40 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Fitzgerald with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Fitzgerald ranks #13 in Washington for shoulder replacement with 40 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 198 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Fitzgerald in Kennewick?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Kennewick 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. Fitzgerald 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. Fitzgerald's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 40 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Fitzgerald's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Fitzgerald's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2021 and was 40 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Fitzgerald affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Fitzgerald is affiliated with Lourdes Medical Center, Good Shepherd Medical Center. Dr. Fitzgerald maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Fitzgerald compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kennewick?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Kennewick, Dr. Fitzgerald ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Kennewick has 194 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Fitzgerald practices?
Lourdes Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Good Shepherd Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Kennewick, Washington
Dr. Fitzgerald's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Kennewick average of 106. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kennewick.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Uel Hansen | 194 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Merrell | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Sherfey | 56 | Hip, Knee |
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.