Dr. Joel Virkler, D.O.
Dr. Joel Virkler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lafayette, Indiana. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Virkler has performed 41 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#81 in Indiana) and 30 hip replacements, for a combined total of 71 procedures.
In Indiana, Dr. Virkler performs near average in knee (41 vs 44 avg), near average in hip (30 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Virkler's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (41 cases) and hip replacements (30 cases).
Lafayette is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lafayette area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Virkler extend back to 2014, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 21 to 71 in the most recent data, a 238% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Virkler's 41 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Virkler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Contact & Location
Lafayette, IN 47905
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Virkler's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 238% from 21 procedures in 2014 to 71 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 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.
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.
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. Virkler
How does Dr. Virkler's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Virkler has performed 71 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Indiana average of 60 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Virkler ranks #71 out of 222 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Virkler perform?
Dr. Virkler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases) and hip replacement (30 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Virkler in Lafayette?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette 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 Indiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Virkler 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. Virkler's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 71 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Virkler's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Virkler's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2014 to 71 in the most recent data, a 238% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 82 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Virkler perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Virkler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases), hip replacement (30 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Virkler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Virkler is affiliated with Franciscan Health Lafayette.
How does Dr. Virkler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette, Dr. Virkler ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Virkler is among the highest-volume surgeons in Lafayette.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Virkler practices?
Franciscan Health Lafayette (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 Lafayette, Indiana
Dr. Virkler's 71 Medicare procedures are above the Lafayette average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lafayette.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Daniel Daluga | 207 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Highhouse | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Seymour | 36 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Page | 33 | Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Hubbard | 31 | Knee |
| Dr. Peter Torok | 27 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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