Dr. George Popham, MD
Contact & Location
Louisville, KY 40223
Dr. George Popham is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Louisville, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Popham has performed 33 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#44 in Kentucky) and 21 hip replacements, for a combined total of 54 procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Popham performs below average in knee (33 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (21 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Popham's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (33 cases) and hip replacements (21 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Popham holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Louisville is home to 40 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Louisville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Popham extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 54 in the most recent data, a 315% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Popham's 33 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. Popham Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Popham's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 315% from 13 procedures in 2013 to 54 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.
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.
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. Popham
How does Dr. Popham's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Popham has performed 54 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kentucky average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Popham ranks #51 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Popham perform?
Dr. Popham's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (33 cases) and hip replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Popham in Louisville?
Yes. There are 40 orthopedic surgeons in Louisville 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. Popham 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. Popham's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 54 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Popham's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Popham's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2013 to 54 in the most recent data, a 315% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 54 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Popham perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Popham's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (33 cases), hip replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Popham affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Popham is affiliated with Norton Hospital / Norton Healthcare Pavilion / Nor.
How does Dr. Popham compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Louisville?
Among the 40 orthopedic surgeons in Louisville, Dr. Popham ranks #18 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Louisville has 323 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Popham practices?
Norton Hospital / Norton Healthcare Pavilion / Nor (2 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 Louisville, Kentucky
Dr. Popham's 54 Medicare procedures are below the Louisville average of 215. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Louisville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides | 323 | Hip |
| Dr. Reid Brown | 300 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Sweet | 276 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Greene | 215 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Goodin | 190 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Krupp | 144 | Shoulder |
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.