Dr. Nicholas Kennedy, MD
Contact & Location
Yakima, WA 98902
Dr. Nicholas Kennedy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Yakima, Washington. Dr. Kennedy has performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #121 in Washington.
In Washington, Dr. Kennedy performs below average in knee (16 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Kennedy's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 16 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.
Yakima is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Yakima area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Kennedy first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Kennedy's 16 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. Kennedy Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
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.
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.
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. Kennedy
How does Dr. Kennedy's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Kennedy has performed 16 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. Kennedy ranks #168 out of 198 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kennedy perform?
Dr. Kennedy's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kennedy in Yakima?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Yakima 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. Kennedy 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. Kennedy's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 16 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kennedy affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kennedy is affiliated with Yakima Valley Memorial.
How does Dr. Kennedy compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Yakima?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Yakima, Dr. Kennedy ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Yakima has 174 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kennedy practices?
Yakima Valley Memorial (1 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Yakima, Washington
Dr. Kennedy's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Yakima average of 57. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Yakima.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Greene | 174 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gene Griffiths | 51 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Kennedy | 28 | Knee |
| Dr. Anthony Longo | 17 | 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.