Dr. Brian Cole, M.D.
Contact & Location
312-243-4244
Chicago, IL 60612
Dr. Cole performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 51% of orthopedic surgeons in Illinois, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #39 of 80 ranked shoulder surgeons in Illinois.
About Dr. Cole
Practice. Dr. Brian Cole is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chicago, Illinois. The latest annual CMS data records 22 shoulder replacements. That is #39 in Illinois for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 12 and 28 procedures a year.
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. Chicago has 41 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 | 21 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 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. Cole Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cole's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 28 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Cole
How does Dr. Cole's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Cole has performed 22 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Illinois average is 69 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Cole ranks #246 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cole perform?
Dr. Cole'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. Cole in Chicago?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago 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 Illinois surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cole 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. Cole'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. Cole's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Cole's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 28 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cole affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cole is affiliated with Silver Cross Hospital And Medical Centers.
How does Dr. Cole compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chicago?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, Dr. Cole ranks #26 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chicago has 318 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cole practices?
Silver Cross Hospital And Medical Centers (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 Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Cole's 22 Medicare procedures are below the Chicago average of 204. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chicago.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Denis Nam | 318 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasili Karas | 287 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Raju Ghate | 257 | Knee |
| Dr. Hany Bedair | 249 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Tad Gerlinger | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Hardt | 141 | 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.