Dr. Brian Kern, M.D.
Contact & Location
Paducah, KY 42001
Dr. Brian Kern is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Paducah, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Kern has performed 56 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#21 in Kentucky) and 25 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 81 procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Kern performs above average in knee (56 vs 42 avg), near average in shoulder (25 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Kern's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (56 cases) and shoulder replacements (25 cases).
Paducah is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Paducah area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kern extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 81 in the most recent data, a 62% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kern's 56 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Kern Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kern's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 62% from 50 procedures in 2013 to 81 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Kern
How does Dr. Kern's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Kern has performed 81 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kentucky average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kern ranks #27 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kern perform?
Dr. Kern's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (56 cases) and shoulder replacement (25 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kern in Paducah?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Paducah 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 Kentucky surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kern 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. Kern's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 81 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kern's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kern's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2013 to 81 in the most recent data, a 62% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 95 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Kern perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kern's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (56 cases), shoulder replacement (25 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kern affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kern is affiliated with Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital, Baptist Health Paducah.
How does Dr. Kern compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Paducah?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Paducah, Dr. Kern ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kern is among the highest-volume surgeons in Paducah.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kern practices?
Mercy Health Lourdes Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average); Baptist Health Paducah (5 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Paducah, Kentucky
Dr. Kern's 81 Medicare procedures are below the Paducah average of 99. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Paducah.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Shiraz Patel | 196 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Frederick Deweese | 132 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Ryan Beck | 50 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Philip Hunt | 34 | 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.