Dr. Erik Carlson, M.D.
Contact & Location
203-758-1272
Middlebury, CT 06762
Dr. Carlson performs more knee replacement procedures than 47% of orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #35 of 67 ranked knee surgeons in Connecticut.
About Dr. Carlson
Practice. Dr. Erik Carlson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Middlebury, Connecticut. The latest annual CMS data records 26 knee replacements. That is #35 in Connecticut for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 10 years. Volume peaked at 44 in 2019 and stands at 26 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 26 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Middlebury 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 | 14 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 32 |
| 2019 | 44 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 26 |
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. Carlson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Connecticut state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Carlson's recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 and stood at 26 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Carlson
How does Dr. Carlson's procedure volume compare to other Connecticut surgeons?
Dr. Carlson has performed 26 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Connecticut average is 49 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Carlson ranks #60 out of 94 orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Carlson perform?
Dr. Carlson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 26 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Carlson in Middlebury?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Middlebury 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 Connecticut surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Carlson 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. Carlson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 26 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. Carlson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Carlson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2019 and was 26 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Carlson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Carlson is affiliated with Uconn Health Waterbury Hospital, Saint Mary'S Hospital.
How does Dr. Carlson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Middlebury?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Middlebury, Dr. Carlson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Carlson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Middlebury.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Carlson practices?
Uconn Health Waterbury Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Saint Mary'S Hospital (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 Middlebury, Connecticut
Dr. Carlson's 26 Medicare procedures are below the Middlebury average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Middlebury.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Kennon | 131 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Keggi | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Kaplan | 26 | 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.