Dr. Kristopher Abeln, M.D.
Contact & Location
812-944-2663
New Albany, IN 47150
Dr. Abeln performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 94% of orthopedic surgeons in Indiana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #4 of 69 ranked shoulder surgeons in Indiana.
About Dr. Abeln
Practice. Dr. Kristopher Abeln is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in New Albany, Indiana. The latest annual CMS data records 52 shoulder replacements. That is #4 in Indiana for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 11 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 52, up 333%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 52 procedures is above the national average of 29.
Local context. New Albany has 2 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 | 12 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 52 |
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. Abeln Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Abeln's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 333% from 12 procedures in 2014 to 52 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Abeln
How does Dr. Abeln's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Abeln has performed 52 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Indiana average of 60 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Abeln ranks #110 out of 224 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Abeln perform?
Dr. Abeln's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 52 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Abeln with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Abeln ranks #4 in Indiana for shoulder replacement with 52 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 224 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Abeln in New Albany?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in New Albany 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. Abeln 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. Abeln's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 180 procedures against the 52 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. Abeln's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Abeln's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2014 to 52 in the most recent data, a 333% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 52 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Abeln affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Abeln is affiliated with Baptist Health Floyd, Ascension St Vincent Salem.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Abeln practices?
Baptist Health Floyd (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Ascension St Vincent Salem (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 New Albany, Indiana
Dr. Abeln's 52 Medicare procedures are below the New Albany average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in New Albany.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Travis Clegg | 189 | 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.