Dr. Joshua Christensen, MD
Dr. Joshua Christensen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Louisville, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Christensen has performed 26 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#15 in Kentucky) and 15 knee replacements, for a combined total of 41 procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Christensen performs near average in shoulder (26 vs 31 avg), below average in knee (15 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Christensen's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (26 cases) and knee replacements (15 cases).
Louisville is home to 39 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. Christensen extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 41 in the most recent data, a 215% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Christensen's 26 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Christensen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Contact & Location
Louisville, KY 40217
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Christensen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 215% from 13 procedures in 2017 to 41 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 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.
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. Christensen
How does Dr. Christensen's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Christensen has performed 41 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. Christensen ranks #65 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Christensen perform?
Dr. Christensen's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (26 cases) and knee replacement (15 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Christensen with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Christensen ranks #15 in Kentucky for shoulder replacement with 26 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 128 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Christensen in Louisville?
Yes. There are 39 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. Christensen 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. Christensen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Christensen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Christensen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2017 to 41 in the most recent data, a 215% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 41 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Christensen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Christensen's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (26 cases), knee replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Christensen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Christensen is affiliated with Norton Hospital / Norton Healthcare Pavilion / Nor.
How does Dr. Christensen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Louisville?
Among the 39 orthopedic surgeons in Louisville, Dr. Christensen ranks #23 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Louisville has 272 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Christensen 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. Christensen's 41 Medicare procedures are below the Louisville average of 188. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Louisville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides | 272 | Hip |
| Dr. Richard Sweet | 261 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Reid Brown | 248 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Greene | 192 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Goodin | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Madhusudhan Yakkanti | 150 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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