Dr. Ryan Palmer, M.D.
Contact & Location
334-749-8303
Opelika, AL 36801
Mobile, AL 36693
Auburn, AL 36830
Dr. Palmer performs more knee replacement procedures than 27% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #82 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Palmer
Practice. Dr. Ryan Palmer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Opelika, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 17 knee replacements. That is #82 in Alabama for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2009.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2017 to 2024, 7 years. Volume has held between 12 and 19 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 17 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Opelika has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 17 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Palmer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Palmer's procedure volume has been consistent across 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 19 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Palmer
How does Dr. Palmer's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Palmer has performed 17 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 44 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Palmer ranks #98 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Palmer perform?
Dr. Palmer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 17 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Palmer in Opelika?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Opelika 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 Alabama surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Palmer represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Palmer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 70 procedures against the 17 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Palmer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Palmer's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 19 procedures per year between 2017 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Palmer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Palmer is affiliated with East Alabama Medical Center.
How does Dr. Palmer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Opelika?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Opelika, Dr. Palmer ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Opelika has 120 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Palmer practices?
East Alabama Medical Center (3 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 Opelika, Alabama
Dr. Palmer's 17 Medicare procedures are below the Opelika average of 46. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Opelika.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Sheils | 120 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert McAlindon | 23 | Knee |
| Dr. Frazier Jones | 23 | Knee |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.