Dr. Charles Milem, M.D.
Contact & Location
270-926-4100
Owensboro, KY 42301
Dr. Milem performs more knee replacement procedures than 48% of orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #53 of 103 ranked knee surgeons in Kentucky.
About Dr. Milem
Practice. Dr. Charles Milem is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Owensboro, Kentucky. The latest annual CMS data records 28 knee replacements and 23 hip replacements, 51 procedures in all. That is #53 in Kentucky for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 34 procedures a year to 51, up 50%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Owensboro has 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Milem also holds hospital privileges in KY and IN, a practice that extends beyond Kentucky.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 14 | 20 |
| 2014 | 11 | 24 |
| 2015 | 0 | 25 |
| 2016 | 12 | 24 |
| 2017 | 12 | 16 |
| 2018 | 16 | 28 |
| 2019 | 21 | 32 |
| 2020 | 0 | 21 |
| 2021 | 16 | 29 |
| 2022 | 12 | 27 |
| 2023 | 15 | 36 |
| 2024 | 23 | 28 |
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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Milem Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Milem's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 50% from 34 procedures in 2013 to 51 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA 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.
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. Milem
How does Dr. Milem's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Milem has performed 51 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kentucky average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Milem ranks #57 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Milem perform?
Dr. Milem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Milem in Owensboro?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Owensboro 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. Milem 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Milem's total volume across all insurers at roughly 170 to 210 procedures against the 51 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. Milem's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Milem's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 34 procedures in 2013 to 51 in the most recent data, a 50% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Milem perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Milem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Milem affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Milem is affiliated with Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Perry County Memorial Hospital, Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital, Deaconess Henderson Hospital, Ohio County Hospital. Dr. Milem maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Milem compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Owensboro?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Owensboro, Dr. Milem ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Milem has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Milem practices?
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Perry County Memorial Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital (4 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 Owensboro, Kentucky
Dr. Milem's 51 Medicare procedures are above the Owensboro average of 32. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Owensboro.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Anthony McBride | 48 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Moore | 42 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Reid Wilson | 28 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Polio | 26 | Knee |
| Dr. William Polio | 17 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Geoffrey Hulse | 12 | 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.