Dr. Craig Yager, M.D.
Contact & Location
719-632-7669
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Wichita, KS 67214
Leawood, KS 66224
Kansas City, KS 66112
Leavenworth, KS 66048
Dr. Yager performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 38% of orthopedic surgeons in Colorado, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #33 of 54 ranked shoulder surgeons in Colorado.
About Dr. Yager
Practice. Dr. Craig Yager is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The latest annual CMS data records 22 shoulder replacements. That is #33 in Colorado for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2017 to 2024, 5 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 22, up 100%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 22 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Colorado Springs has 19 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 22 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Yager Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Yager's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 100% from 11 procedures in 2017 to 22 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 22 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Colorado average is 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Yager ranks #137 out of 169 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 22 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 19 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 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Yager's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 80 procedures against the 22 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. Yager's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Yager's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2017 to 22 in the most recent data, a 100% increase over 5 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 19 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado Springs, Dr. Yager ranks #16 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Colorado Springs has 216 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 22 Medicare procedures are below the Colorado Springs average of 126. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Colorado Springs.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eric Jepson | 216 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Feign | 163 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Howarth | 146 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jordan Schaeffer | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Weinstein | 119 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Derek Purcell | 87 | 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.