Dr. Ryan Palmer, MD
Contact & Location
Opelika, AL 36801
Dr. Ryan Palmer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Opelika, Alabama. Dr. Palmer has performed 17 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #82 in Alabama.
In Alabama, Dr. Palmer performs below average in knee (17 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Palmer's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 17 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Opelika is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Opelika area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Palmer's Medicare record spans 7 years from 2017 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 12 to 19 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Palmer's 17 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. 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 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. Palmer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 17 procedures shown here.
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.