Dr. Paul Degenfelder, MD
Dr. Paul Degenfelder is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Puyallup, Washington. Dr. Degenfelder has performed 34 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#73 in Washington) and 24 hip replacements, for a combined total of 58 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Degenfelder performs near average in knee (34 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (24 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Degenfelder's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (34 cases) and hip replacements (24 cases).
Puyallup is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Puyallup area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Degenfelder extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 23 to 58 in the most recent data, a 152% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Degenfelder's 34 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Degenfelder Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Contact & Location
Puyallup, WA 98372
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Degenfelder's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 152% from 23 procedures in 2013 to 58 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Degenfelder
How does Dr. Degenfelder's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Degenfelder has performed 58 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Degenfelder ranks #84 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Degenfelder perform?
Dr. Degenfelder's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases) and hip replacement (24 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Degenfelder in Puyallup?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Puyallup 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. Degenfelder 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. Degenfelder's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 58 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Degenfelder's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Degenfelder's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2013 to 58 in the most recent data, a 152% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 58 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Degenfelder perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Degenfelder's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases), hip replacement (24 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Degenfelder affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Degenfelder is affiliated with Multicare Good Samaritan Hospital.
How does Dr. Degenfelder compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Puyallup?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Puyallup, Dr. Degenfelder ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Degenfelder is among the highest-volume surgeons in Puyallup.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Degenfelder practices?
Multicare Good Samaritan Hospital (2 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 Puyallup, Washington
Dr. Degenfelder's 58 Medicare procedures are above the Puyallup average of 36. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Puyallup.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Wyman | 59 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Steedman | 59 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Hung | 29 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Anthony Van Bergeyk | 19 | Knee |
| Dr. Neal Shonnard | 14 | Hip |
| Dr. Nathan Bowers | 14 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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