#4 in Indiana
Shoulder

Dr. Kristopher Abeln, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
48 procedures 2 hospitals New Albany, IN
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 48 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Kristopher Abeln is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in New Albany, Indiana. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Abeln has performed 48 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #4 in Indiana.

In Indiana, Dr. Abeln performs well above average in shoulder (48 vs 23 avg).

Dr. Abeln's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 48 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

New Albany is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the New Albany area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Abeln extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 48 in the most recent data, a 300% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Abeln's 48 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
48 verified cases
#4 in Indiana
Estimated total: 130 – 150 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Abeln Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.

Shoulder Very High
48 Avg: 23
Dr. Abeln Indiana Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 812-944-2663
1919 State St
New Albany, IN 47150
NPI: 1851502199
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
19 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Abeln's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 300% from 12 procedures in 2014 to 48 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 10
2023 Volume 48
Peak Volume 48 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Baptist Health Floyd
★★★☆☆
New Albany, IN
Low case volume
H
Ascension St Vincent Salem
Salem, IN
Low case volume

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.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

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 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Indiana average of 60 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Abeln ranks #110 out of 222 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 48 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 48 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 222 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 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. Abeln's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 48 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Abeln's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Abeln's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2014 to 48 in the most recent data, a 300% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 48 procedures in 2023.

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 48 Medicare procedures are below the New Albany average of 95. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in New Albany.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Travis Clegg 141 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Kristopher Abeln, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/in/dr-kristopher-abeln-new-albany.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/in/dr-kristopher-abeln-new-albany.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.