Dr. Nicholas Hernandez
Contact & Location
Seattle, WA 98133
Dr. Nicholas Hernandez is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Seattle, Washington. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Hernandez has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#96 in Washington) and 26 hip replacements, for a combined total of 53 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Hernandez performs below average in knee (27 vs 41 avg), below average in hip (26 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Hernandez's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and hip replacements (26 cases).
Seattle is home to 37 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Seattle area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hernandez extend back to 2019, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 53 in the most recent data, a 179% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hernandez's 27 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Hernandez Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hernandez's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 179% from 19 procedures in 2019 to 53 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.
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.
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. Hernandez
How does Dr. Hernandez's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Hernandez has performed 53 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hernandez ranks #92 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hernandez perform?
Dr. Hernandez's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (26 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hernandez in Seattle?
Yes. There are 37 orthopedic surgeons in Seattle 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. Hernandez 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. Hernandez's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 53 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hernandez's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hernandez's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2019 to 53 in the most recent data, a 179% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Hernandez perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hernandez's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (26 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hernandez affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hernandez is affiliated with University Of Washington Medical Ctr.
How does Dr. Hernandez compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Seattle?
Among the 37 orthopedic surgeons in Seattle, Dr. Hernandez ranks #18 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Seattle has 142 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hernandez practices?
University Of Washington Medical Ctr (3 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 Seattle, Washington
Dr. Hernandez's 53 Medicare procedures are below the Seattle average of 111. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Seattle.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Clabeaux | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Navin Fernando | 140 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Frederick Lee | 125 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Toomey | 109 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Laura Matsen | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Calvin Schlepp | 101 | Hip, 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.