Dr. Mark Merrell, MD
Dr. Mark Merrell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kennewick, Washington. Dr. Merrell has completed 120 knee replacements (#4 in Washington), 40 hip replacements, and 18 shoulder replacements, totaling 178 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Merrell performs well above average in knee (120 vs 42 avg), near average in hip (40 vs 38 avg), below average in shoulder (18 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Merrell performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (120 cases), followed by hip replacements (40) and shoulder replacements (18).
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.
Medicare records for Dr. Merrell extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 109 to 178 in the most recent data, a 63% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Merrell's 120 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Merrell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Contact & Location
Kennewick, WA 99336
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Merrell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 63% from 109 procedures in 2013 to 178 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.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
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. Merrell
How does Dr. Merrell's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Merrell has performed 178 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Merrell ranks #7 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Merrell perform?
Dr. Merrell performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (120 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (18 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Merrell with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Merrell ranks #4 in Washington for knee replacement with 120 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 202 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Merrell 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. Merrell 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. Merrell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 178 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Merrell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Merrell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 109 procedures in 2013 to 178 in the most recent data, a 63% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 178 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Merrell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Merrell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (120 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (18 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Merrell among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Merrell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Merrell is affiliated with Lourdes Medical Center, Kadlec Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Merrell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kennewick?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Kennewick, Dr. Merrell ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Merrell is among the highest-volume surgeons in Kennewick.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Merrell practices?
Lourdes Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Kadlec Regional 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 Kennewick, Washington
Dr. Merrell's 178 Medicare procedures are above the Kennewick average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kennewick.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Uel Hansen | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Sherfey | 62 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Judd Fitzgerald | 29 | Shoulder |
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