Dr. Judah Pifer, M.D.
Contact & Location
928-778-9250
Prescott, AZ 86305
Dr. Pifer performs more knee replacement procedures than 57% of orthopedic surgeons in Arizona, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #65 of 152 ranked knee surgeons in Arizona.
About Dr. Pifer
Dr. Judah Pifer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Prescott, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Pifer performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#65 in Arizona) and 15 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 55 procedures.
In Arizona, Dr. Pifer performs near the state average in knee (40 vs 49), below the state average in hip (15 vs 40).
Dr. Pifer's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (40 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Prescott is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Prescott area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Pifer extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 22 to 55 in the most recent data, a 150% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Pifer's 40 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 22 |
| 2017 | 0 | 13 |
| 2018 | 0 | 19 |
| 2019 | 0 | 27 |
| 2020 | 0 | 26 |
| 2021 | 0 | 29 |
| 2022 | 18 | 32 |
| 2023 | 19 | 29 |
| 2024 | 15 | 40 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Pifer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pifer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 150% from 22 procedures in 2016 to 55 in the most recent data.
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. Pifer
How does Dr. Pifer's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Pifer has performed 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Pifer ranks #99 out of 191 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pifer perform?
Dr. Pifer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pifer in Prescott?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Prescott 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 Arizona surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Pifer 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Pifer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 230 procedures against the 55 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. Pifer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Pifer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 22 procedures in 2016 to 55 in the most recent data, a 150% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 55 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Pifer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Pifer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pifer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pifer is affiliated with Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center.
How does Dr. Pifer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Prescott?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Prescott, Dr. Pifer ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Pifer is among the highest-volume surgeons in Prescott.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pifer practices?
Yavapai Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Verde Valley Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Prescott, Arizona
Dr. Pifer's 55 Medicare procedures are below the Prescott average of 84. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Prescott.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Richard Bassett | 258 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Williams | 49 | Knee |
| Dr. Brent Anderson | 45 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Wheeler | 13 | Shoulder |
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.