Dr. Paul Buzhardt, M.D.
Contact & Location
337-703-3201
Lafayette, LA 70506
About Dr. Buzhardt
Dr. Paul Buzhardt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lafayette, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Buzhardt performed 42 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#32 in Louisiana) and 26 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 68 procedures.
In Louisiana, Dr. Buzhardt performs near the state average in knee (42 vs 41), near the state average in hip (26 vs 29).
Dr. Buzhardt's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (42 cases) and hip replacements (26 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. Buzhardt extend back to 2017, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 68 in the most recent data, a 36% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Buzhardt's 42 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 35 | 15 |
| 2018 | 20 | 27 |
| 2019 | 35 | 41 |
| 2020 | 33 | 36 |
| 2021 | 33 | 41 |
| 2022 | 28 | 43 |
| 2023 | 35 | 35 |
| 2024 | 26 | 42 |
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. Buzhardt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Buzhardt's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 36% from 50 procedures in 2017 to 68 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.
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.
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 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. Buzhardt
How does Dr. Buzhardt's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Buzhardt has performed 68 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Louisiana average of 54 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Buzhardt ranks #30 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Buzhardt perform?
Dr. Buzhardt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases) and hip replacement (26 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Buzhardt 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. Buzhardt 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. Buzhardt's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 68 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Buzhardt's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Buzhardt's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2017 to 68 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 76 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Buzhardt perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Buzhardt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases), hip replacement (26 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Buzhardt affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Buzhardt is affiliated with Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Iberia Medical Center.
How does Dr. Buzhardt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Lafayette, Dr. Buzhardt ranks #5 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. Buzhardt practices?
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average); Iberia Medical Center (3 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 Lafayette, Louisiana
Dr. Buzhardt's 68 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. Matthew Williams | 42 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Adam Kennedy | 29 | 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.