Dr. Richard Sweet, M.D.
Dr. Richard Sweet is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Louisville, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Sweet has performed 147 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#4 in Kentucky) and 114 hip replacements, for a combined total of 261 procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Sweet performs well above average in knee (147 vs 44 avg), well above average in hip (114 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Sweet's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (147 cases) and hip replacements (114 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. Dr. Sweet also maintains hospital privileges in KY and IN, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Kentucky.
Medicare records for Dr. Sweet extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 69 to 261 in the most recent data, a 278% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sweet's 147 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #173 nationally.
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. Sweet Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Contact & Location
Louisville, KY 40207
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sweet's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 278% from 69 procedures in 2017 to 261 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
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. Sweet
How does Dr. Sweet's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Sweet has performed 261 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the Kentucky average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sweet ranks #2 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sweet perform?
Dr. Sweet's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (147 cases) and hip replacement (114 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Sweet with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Sweet ranks #4 in Kentucky for knee replacement with 147 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 128 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sweet 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. Sweet 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. Sweet's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 261 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sweet's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sweet's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 69 procedures in 2017 to 261 in the most recent data, a 278% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 261 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Sweet perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sweet's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (147 cases), hip replacement (114 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sweet affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sweet is affiliated with Baptist Health Louisville, Baptist Health Floyd, Baptist Health La Grange. Dr. Sweet maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Sweet compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Louisville?
Among the 39 orthopedic surgeons in Louisville, Dr. Sweet ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Sweet is among the highest-volume surgeons in Louisville.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sweet practices?
Baptist Health Louisville (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist Health Floyd (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Baptist Health La Grange (4 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 Louisville, Kentucky
Dr. Sweet's 261 Medicare procedures are above the Louisville average of 202. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Louisville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides | 272 | Hip |
| Dr. Reid Brown | 248 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Greene | 192 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Goodin | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Madhusudhan Yakkanti | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Arthur Malkani | 142 | Hip, Knee |
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