Dr. Brian Etier, M.D.
Contact & Location
Lafayette, LA 70506
Dr. Brian Etier is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lafayette, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Etier has performed 13 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#78 in Louisiana) and 13 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 26 procedures.
In Louisiana, Dr. Etier performs below average in knee (13 vs 41 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Etier's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (13 cases) and shoulder replacements (13 cases).
Lafayette is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lafayette area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Etier extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 26 in the most recent data, a 117% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Etier's 13 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. Etier Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Etier's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 117% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 26 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. Etier
How does Dr. Etier's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Etier has performed 26 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Louisiana average is 54 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Etier ranks #69 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Etier perform?
Dr. Etier's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (13 cases) and shoulder replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Etier in Lafayette?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette 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 Louisiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Etier 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. Etier's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 26 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Etier's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Etier's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 26 in the most recent data, a 117% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 27 procedures in 2020.
Does Dr. Etier perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Etier's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (13 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Etier affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Etier is affiliated with Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.
How does Dr. Etier compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette, Dr. Etier ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lafayette has 154 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Etier practices?
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Lafayette, Louisiana
Dr. Etier's 26 Medicare procedures are below the Lafayette average of 87. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lafayette.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Edward Yerger | 154 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Kyle | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Montgomery | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Duval | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Buzhardt | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Williams | 42 | 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.