Dr. David Richards, M.D.
Contact & Location
Bowling Green, KY 42103
Dr. David Richards is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Richards has performed 22 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#19 in Kentucky) and 21 knee replacements, for a combined total of 43 procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Richards performs below average in shoulder (22 vs 31 avg), below average in knee (21 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Richards's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (22 cases) and knee replacements (21 cases).
Bowling Green is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bowling Green area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Richards extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 43 in the most recent data, a 126% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Richards's 22 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Richards Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Richards's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 126% from 19 procedures in 2013 to 43 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Richards
How does Dr. Richards's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Richards has performed 43 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Kentucky average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Richards ranks #64 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Richards perform?
Dr. Richards's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (22 cases) and knee replacement (21 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Richards with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Richards ranks #19 in Kentucky for shoulder replacement with 22 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 128 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Richards in Bowling Green?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Bowling Green 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. Richards 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. Richards's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 43 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Richards's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Richards's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2013 to 43 in the most recent data, a 126% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 43 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Richards perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Richards's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (22 cases), knee replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Richards affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Richards is affiliated with Tristar Greenview Regional Hospital, The Medical Center At Bowling Green.
How does Dr. Richards compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bowling Green?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Bowling Green, Dr. Richards ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bowling Green has 127 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Richards practices?
Tristar Greenview Regional Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); The Medical Center At Bowling Green (2 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 Bowling Green, Kentucky
Dr. Richards's 43 Medicare procedures are below the Bowling Green average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bowling Green.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Patton | 127 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kirk Fee | 98 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Spencer Romine | 83 | Shoulder |
| Dr. James Heltsley | 68 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Sameer Badarudeen | 52 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Riley | 42 | 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.