RWJUH Somerset Recertified for Hip, Knee Replacement Surgery In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville has been recertified by The Joint Commission for total hip and total knee replacement surgery, the hospital announced Wednesday.

The certification includes The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and follows an onsite review earlier this month of the hospital’s compliance with disease-specific care standards for both procedures.

According to the announcement, RWJUH Somerset has now earned the certification seven consecutive times since 2012. The hospital is part of RWJBarnabas Health.

The recertification applies to the hospital’s joint surgery program, which includes care before surgery, inpatient treatment and recovery support.

"The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval says it all – our community can be assured that they are getting the highest quality orthopedic care," said Deirdre Blaus, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. "Being able to achieve this certification seven consecutive times demonstrates the commitment of everyone who cares for our joint surgery patients, from pre-operative education through discharge and recovery."

Orthopedic surgeon Stephen Kayiaros, MD, who is medical director of the hospital’s Joint Surgery Program, said joint pain can affect daily life and that surgery is sometimes the best option.

"Joint pain can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and in many cases, surgery may be the best option for lasting relief," Kayiaros said. "Our team is focused on providing the best surgical outcomes for our patients so that they can get back to doing the things they enjoy."

The hospital said the Joint Commission recognition is one of several recent honors for its orthopedic program. According to the announcement, Newsweek recently named RWJUH Somerset among America’s Best Hospitals for Specialized Care 2026 for orthopedic care.

In rankings announced in July, U.S. News & World Report gave the hospital a High Performing Specialty rating for Orthopedics, which the announcement said is awarded to programs in the top 10 percent nationally for outcomes, patient experience, advanced capabilities and expert opinion scores.

The hospital also said it received Healthgrades’ 2025 Surgical Care Excellence Award and that RWJBarnabas Health was recognized by Becker’s Healthcare among 100 hospitals and health systems with great orthopedic programs.

RWJUH Somerset said its joint care program includes orthopedic surgeons, a Joint Care Coordinator, pre-surgical education, specialized nursing care and physical and occupational therapy beginning on the day of surgery.

The hospital added robotic surgery for total hip and knee replacement in 2025, and post-surgical patients are treated in the 3 Pavilion Surgical Unit, which opened in early 2025 with private rooms and a rehabilitation gym.