Dr. Thomas Helpenstell, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Helpenstell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Olympia, Washington. Dr. Helpenstell has performed 100 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#9 in Washington) and 41 hip replacements, for a combined total of 141 procedures.
In Washington, Dr. Helpenstell performs well above average in knee (100 vs 42 avg), near average in hip (41 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Helpenstell's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (100 cases) and hip replacements (41 cases).
Olympia is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Olympia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Helpenstell extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 79 to 141 in the most recent data, a 78% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Helpenstell's 100 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. Helpenstell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Washington state average.
Contact & Location
Olympia, WA 98502
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Helpenstell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 78% from 79 procedures in 2013 to 141 in the most recent data.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Helpenstell
How does Dr. Helpenstell's procedure volume compare to other Washington surgeons?
Dr. Helpenstell has performed 141 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Washington average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Helpenstell ranks #17 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Washington.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Helpenstell perform?
Dr. Helpenstell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (100 cases) and hip replacement (41 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Helpenstell with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Helpenstell ranks #9 in Washington for knee replacement with 100 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 202 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Helpenstell in Olympia?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Olympia 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. Helpenstell 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. Helpenstell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 141 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Helpenstell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Helpenstell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 79 procedures in 2013 to 141 in the most recent data, a 78% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 165 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Helpenstell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Helpenstell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (100 cases), hip replacement (41 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Helpenstell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Olympia?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Olympia, Dr. Helpenstell ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Helpenstell is among the highest-volume surgeons in Olympia.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Olympia, Washington
Dr. Helpenstell's 141 Medicare procedures are above the Olympia average of 94. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Olympia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Peter Wood | 237 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Milan Moore | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Laddie Agtarap | 69 | Knee |
| Dr. Jerome Zechmann | 66 | Hip |
| Dr. Robert McKay | 47 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Trevor Barronian | 13 | Hip |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.