Dr. Herbert Plauche, MD
Contact & Location
Covington, LA 70433
Dr. Herbert Plauche is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Covington, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Plauche has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #81 in Louisiana.
In Louisiana, Dr. Plauche performs below average in knee (15 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Plauche's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Covington is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Covington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Plauche's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2020 before settling at 15 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Plauche's 15 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Plauche Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Plauche's recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2020 and stood at 15 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.
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.
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. Plauche
How does Dr. Plauche's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Plauche has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Louisiana average is 51 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Plauche ranks #100 out of 118 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Plauche perform?
Dr. Plauche's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Plauche in Covington?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Covington 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. Plauche 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. Plauche's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Plauche's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Plauche's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2020 and was 15 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. Plauche affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Plauche is affiliated with Avala, St Tammany Parish Hospital, Riverside Medical Center.
How does Dr. Plauche compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Covington?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Covington, Dr. Plauche ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Covington has 76 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Plauche practices?
Avala (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Tammany Parish Hospital (4 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 Covington, Louisiana
Dr. Plauche's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Covington average of 27. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Covington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Schumacher | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rolling | 29 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Devraj | 23 | Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Darr | 17 | Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rudd | 17 | Knee |
| Dr. Mark Hontas | 15 | 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.