Dr. Kirk Willard, MD
Contact & Location
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Dr. Kirk Willard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Walla Walla, Washington. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Willard has performed 75 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#11 in Washington) and 38 knee replacements, for a combined total of 113 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Willard performs above average in hip (75 vs 38 avg), near average in knee (38 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Willard's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (75 cases) and knee replacements (38 cases).
Walla Walla is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Walla Walla area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Willard also maintains hospital privileges in WA and OR, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Washington.
Medicare records for Dr. Willard extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 91 to 113 in the most recent data, a 24% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Willard's 75 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Willard Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Willard's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 24% from 91 procedures in 2013 to 113 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Willard
How does Dr. Willard's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Willard has performed 113 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Willard ranks #23 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Willard perform?
Dr. Willard's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (75 cases) and knee replacement (38 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Willard with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Willard ranks #11 in Washington for hip replacement with 75 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 198 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Willard in Walla Walla?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Walla Walla 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. Willard 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. Willard's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 113 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Willard's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Willard's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 91 procedures in 2013 to 113 in the most recent data, a 24% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 125 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Willard perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Willard's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (75 cases), knee replacement (38 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Willard affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Willard is affiliated with Providence St Mary Medical Center, Wallowa Memorial Hospital, Dayton General Hospital. Dr. Willard maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Willard compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Walla Walla?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Walla Walla, Dr. Willard ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Willard has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Willard practices?
Providence St Mary Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Wallowa Memorial Hospital (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 Walla Walla, Washington
Dr. Willard's 113 Medicare procedures are above the Walla Walla average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Walla Walla.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Richard Henderson | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Gryler | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Priddy | 34 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Wilwand | 29 | Knee, 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.