Dr. Patrick Fernicola, M.D.
Contact & Location
706-324-6661
Columbus, GA 31909
Leesburg, GA 31763
Lagrange, GA 30241
Dothan, AL 36303
Dr. Fernicola performs more knee replacement procedures than 81% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #37 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Fernicola
Practice. Dr. Patrick Fernicola is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 55 knee replacements and 40 shoulder replacements, 95 procedures in all. That is #37 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 95 and 133 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 55 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Columbus has 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Fernicola also holds hospital privileges in AL and GA and FL, a practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 50 | 44 |
| 2014 | 0 | 56 | 44 |
| 2015 | 0 | 67 | 45 |
| 2016 | 0 | 88 | 45 |
| 2017 | 0 | 74 | 53 |
| 2018 | 0 | 74 | 38 |
| 2019 | 0 | 68 | 61 |
| 2020 | 0 | 55 | 50 |
| 2021 | 0 | 52 | 49 |
| 2022 | 0 | 62 | 58 |
| 2023 | 0 | 74 | 54 |
| 2024 | 0 | 55 | 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, 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. Fernicola Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Fernicola's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 95 to 133 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Fernicola
How does Dr. Fernicola's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Fernicola has performed 95 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Fernicola ranks #38 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Fernicola perform?
Dr. Fernicola's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases) and shoulder replacement (40 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Fernicola in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Fernicola 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Fernicola's total volume across all insurers at roughly 300 to 380 procedures against the 95 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. Fernicola's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Fernicola's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 95 to 133 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Fernicola perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Fernicola's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases), shoulder replacement (40 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Fernicola affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Fernicola is affiliated with Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside, St Francis Hospital- Emory Healthcare, Lifebrite Community Hospital Of Early, Jackson Hospital. Dr. Fernicola maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Fernicola compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Fernicola ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Fernicola is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbus.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Fernicola practices?
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Francis Hospital- Emory Healthcare (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 Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Fernicola's 95 Medicare procedures are above the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garland Gudger | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Ruark | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Waldrop | 42 | Hip, 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.