Dr. Craig Yager, MD
Contact & Location
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Dr. Craig Yager is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Yager has performed 23 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #23 in Colorado.
In Colorado, Dr. Yager performs below average in shoulder (23 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Yager's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 23 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.
Colorado Springs is home to 22 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Colorado Springs area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Yager extend back to 2017, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 23 in the most recent data, a 109% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Yager's 23 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Yager Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Yager's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 109% from 11 procedures in 2017 to 23 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Yager
How does Dr. Yager's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Yager has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Colorado average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Yager ranks #124 out of 165 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Yager perform?
Dr. Yager's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Yager in Colorado Springs?
Yes. There are 22 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Yager 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. Yager's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 23 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Yager's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Yager's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2017 to 23 in the most recent data, a 109% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 23 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Yager affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Yager is affiliated with St Francis Hospital - Interquest, Penrose Hospital, University Colo Health Memorial Hospital Central.
How does Dr. Yager compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Colorado Springs?
Among the 22 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado Springs, Dr. Yager ranks #15 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Colorado Springs has 240 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Yager practices?
St Francis Hospital - Interquest (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Penrose Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); University Colo Health Memorial Hospital Central (4 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dr. Yager's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Colorado Springs average of 125. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Colorado Springs.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eric Jepson | 240 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Howarth | 166 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jordan Schaeffer | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Weinstein | 120 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Feign | 109 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Derek Purcell | 95 | Knee, 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.