Dr. George Aitken, M.D.
Contact & Location
606-327-0036
Ashland, KY 41101
Flatwoods, KY 41139
Dr. Aitken performs more knee replacement procedures than 27% of orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #75 of 103 ranked knee surgeons in Kentucky.
About Dr. Aitken
Practice. Dr. George Aitken is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ashland, Kentucky. The latest annual CMS data records 18 knee replacements. That is #75 in Kentucky for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 69 in 2017 and stands at 18 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 18 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Ashland has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Aitken also holds hospital privileges in KY and OH, a practice that extends beyond Kentucky.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 47 |
| 2014 | 20 | 45 |
| 2015 | 20 | 37 |
| 2016 | 21 | 45 |
| 2017 | 14 | 55 |
| 2018 | 0 | 41 |
| 2019 | 13 | 40 |
| 2020 | 0 | 19 |
| 2021 | 16 | 29 |
| 2022 | 0 | 25 |
| 2023 | 14 | 28 |
| 2024 | 0 | 18 |
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. 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. 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 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, which puts Dr. Aitken's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 80 procedures against the 18 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. 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, Kings Daughters Medical Center Ohio. Dr. Aitken maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
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); Kings Daughters Medical Center Ohio (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 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.