Dr. George Aitken, MD
Contact & Location
Ashland, KY 41101
Dr. George Aitken is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ashland, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Aitken has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #75 in Kentucky.
In Kentucky, Dr. Aitken performs below average in knee (18 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Aitken's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 18 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.
Ashland is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Ashland area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Aitken's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2017 before settling at 18 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Aitken's 18 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 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. Aitken Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Aitken's recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2017 and stood at 18 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Aitken
How does Dr. Aitken's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Aitken has performed 18 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. Aitken ranks #98 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Aitken perform?
Dr. Aitken's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Aitken in Ashland?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Ashland 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. Aitken 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. Aitken's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 18 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Aitken's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Aitken's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2017 and was 18 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Aitken affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Aitken is affiliated with King'S Daughters' Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Aitken practices?
King'S Daughters' Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Ashland, Kentucky
Dr. Aitken's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Ashland average of 24. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ashland.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Carawan | 29 | 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.