Dr. Nicholas Hernandez
Dr. Nicholas Hernandez is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Hernandez has performed 25 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#75 in Washington) and 24 knee replacements, for a combined total of 49 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Hernandez performs below average in hip (25 vs 38 avg), below average in knee (24 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Hernandez's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (25 cases) and knee replacements (24 cases).
Seattle is home to 34 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 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 49 in the most recent data, a 158% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hernandez's 25 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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.
Contact & Location
Seattle, WA 98133
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hernandez's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 158% from 19 procedures in 2019 to 49 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.
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.
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. Hernandez
How does Dr. Hernandez's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Hernandez has performed 49 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hernandez ranks #90 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hernandez perform?
Dr. Hernandez's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (25 cases) and knee replacement (24 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hernandez in Seattle?
Yes. There are 34 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 49 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 49 in the most recent data, a 158% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 49 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Hernandez perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hernandez's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (25 cases), knee replacement (24 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 34 orthopedic surgeons in Seattle, Dr. Hernandez ranks #17 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Seattle has 160 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 49 Medicare procedures are below the Seattle average of 119. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Seattle.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Navin Fernando | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Clabeaux | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Frederick Lee | 143 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Crutcher | 127 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Manner | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Calvin Schlepp | 96 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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