Thomas R Hickernell, MD

Overview
Thomas R. Hickernell, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee reconstruction at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley and an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Hickernell specializes in advanced operative and non-operative care for hip and knee arthritis, utilizing the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, including anterior approach hip replacement, custom knee replacements, and complex revision surgeries for failed joint replacements. He also cares for hip, knee, and femur fractures, as well as traumatic injuries to existing joint replacements. Dr. Hickernell utilizes opioid-sparing multimodal pain control and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to help speed recovery and reduce post-operative pain.
Dr. Hickernell received his medical degree from from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed his residency at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He remained at Columbia for a fellowship in adult hip and knee reconstruction in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.
In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Hickernell is an active medical researcher, with a special focus on studying methods of maintaining pain control while reducing opioid consumption. His research has been published in several medical journals, including the Journal of Arthroplasty and the Journal of Orthopaedic Research. He regularly gives presentations at nationwide medical meetings including the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Areas of Expertise / Conditions Treated
- Adult Hip Arthritis
- Anterior Approach Hip Replacement
- Hip Arthroscopy
- Hip Bursitis
- Hip Disorders
- Hip Fracture
- Hip Pain
- Hip Reconstruction
- Hip Replacement
- Hip Resurfacing
- Joint Disorders
- Joint Reconstruction Surgery
- Joint Replacement
- Knee Arthritis
- Knee Arthroplasty
- Knee Disorders
- Knee Reconstruction
- Knee Replacement
- Ligament Sparing Knee Replacement
- Partial Knee Replacement Surgery
- Reconstructive Joint Surgery
- Revision of Joint Replacement
- Total Hip Revision
- Total Joint Reconstruction
- Total Joint Replacement
- Unicondylar Knee Replacement
Academic Appointments
- Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at CUMC
Hospital Affiliations
- NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Gender
- Male
Schedule an Appointment
Phone Appointments
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Insurance Accepted
Aetna
- EPO
- HMO
- Medicare Managed Care
- NYP Employee Plan
- NY Signature
- POS
- PPO
- Signature Administrators
- Student Health
AgeWell
- Medicare Managed Care
- Special Needs Plan
Capital District Physician Health Plan
- Capital District Physician Health Plan
Cigna
- EPO
- Great West
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
Emblem/GHI
- Medicare Managed Care
- PPO
Emblem/HIP
- ConnectiCare
- EPO
- Essential Plan
- HMO
- Medicaid Managed Care
- Medicare Managed Care
- POS
- PPO
- Select Care (Exchange)
- Vytra
Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- EPO
- Medicare Managed Care
- PPO
Local 1199
- NYP Employee Plan
MagnaCare
- MagnaCare
MVP Health Care
- Child/Family Health Plus
- Essential Plan
- HMO
- Medicaid Managed Care
Oxford Health Plans
- Freedom
- Liberty
UnitedHealthcare
- Columbia University Employee Plan
- Compass (Exchange)
- HMO
- Medicaid (Community Plan)
- Medicare Managed Care
- POS
- PPO
Credentials & Experience
Education & Training
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Residency: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center