Despite their best efforts, UW Medicine has not yet been able to reach fair and sustainable agreements with Aetna that ensure continued access to care and are in the best interests of patients. Effective June 1, 2025, UW Medicine’s contracts with Aetna for Medicare Advantage and Commercial services have expired and we are now out of network with Aetna. Learn more about what this means for you and what you should do next.
Founded in 2000, The Joint Center was the first dedicated joint replacement center in the Pacific Northwest with more than 20,000 hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgeries. Held as an acclaimed model for best practices, The Joint Center is led by nationally recognized surgeons in joint procedures, robotic joint replacement, implant design and research, in partnership with VMC's team of specialized joint replacement nurses and therapists.
Orthopedic surgeons and specialists treat muscle or tendon strains and sprains, bone fractures, arthritis, joint replacement and other joint and spine conditions:
These doctors coordinate your care with other physicians, including family practice, internal medicine, general surgeons, radiologists, and other subspecialties for comprehensive coverage.
Traditional total joint replacement surgery is one of the most reliable and cost-effective surgical procedures in modern medicine. It has improved dramatically over the years, with smaller incisions, reduced recovery time and better outcomes.
In 2021, Valley gained the distinction of being the first hospital in the U.S. to install the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, an innovative, new tool for surgeons performing total knee replacement. William Barrett, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, explained, “Over 20 years ago we started Washington’s first Joint Center right here at Valley with the goal of improving care for patients who need total joint replacement. This is an exciting next step in that journey to innovate care even further.”
VELYS is particularly advanced in its ability to help surgeons precisely plan surgery tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. It allows the surgical team to more accurately visualize and predict joint stability for the patient’s natural frame with the ultimate goal of providing the best fit possible for enhanced patient outcomes.
Although robotic knee replacement is not indicated for all patients, there are many benefits that positively impact patients where it is indicated: better accuracy, excellent alignment of implant, more efficient care and strong outcomes.
Based on your health history and individual needs, your surgeon talked with you about a plan to go home either on the day of surgery or after an overnight stay. For those going home on the day of surgery, you are able to head home once you have been cleared by physical therapy and are medically stable. This is typically a few hours after surgery. Those staying overnight are usually ready to head home after breakfast.
Discharge Planning
The discharge planning process actually begins before your surgery. Plan to have someone drive you home after surgery and to your first few appointments after surgery. You will need help for your first 5 – 7 days at home. Before your surgery, arrange for help at home or a place to stay. Your nurse will give you written instructions on how to care for yourself at home and will answer any questions. Some patients may need care care in a skilled nursing facility before going home. If you need to be cared for in a skilled nursing facility before going home, Medicare's website can help you find one*:
Research and compare Medicaid and Medicare-certified skilled nursing facilities
* The facilities listed on Medicare.gov are neither owned nor operated by Valley Medical Center. We advise that you carefully research before selecting a facility.
Outpatient Therapy Services
Valley Medical Center provides outpatient therapy services when you need it, including physical therapy and occupational therapy. Learn more about Outpatient Therapy Services.
Joint Replacement: Your Personal Planner
Durable Medical Equipment Vendors and Loaner Closets
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)
American College of Rheumatology (ACR)
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
Moving Beyond Joint Pain (Depuy Corporation/Johnson & Johnson)
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Before replacement surgery, you will need to watch this online, pre-surgery seminar. This 30-minute video provides the education and information needed for a smooth transition from surgery to home.
Topics include tips on how to get your home ready for your arrival after surgery, preparing for time at the hospital, what to expect afterward and what you need to plan for when you go home. Family members or other caregivers helping you are encouraged to watch the video as well.
A top-rated joint replacement center, Valley took a giant leap forward with the introduction of robotic total knee replacement offering faster recovery and superior precision allowing the surgical team to more accurately visualize and predict joint stability for the patient's natural frame with the ultimate goal of providing the best fit possible for enhanced patient outcomes. Valley's surgical team offers less invasive joint replacement, including anterior approach to hip replacement.