Dr. Charles Mess, M.D.
Contact & Location
410-992-7800
Columbia, MD 21044
Dr. Mess performs more knee replacement procedures than 34% of orthopedic surgeons in Maryland, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #91 of 138 ranked knee surgeons in Maryland.
About Dr. Mess
Practice. Dr. Charles Mess is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, Maryland. The latest annual CMS data records 25 knee replacements and 15 hip replacements, 40 procedures in all. That is #91 in Maryland for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 11 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 40, up 233%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 25 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Columbia has 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 18 | 13 |
| 2016 | 15 | 13 |
| 2017 | 13 | 0 |
| 2018 | 18 | 13 |
| 2019 | 19 | 14 |
| 2020 | 15 | 0 |
| 2021 | 18 | 15 |
| 2022 | 23 | 13 |
| 2023 | 15 | 0 |
| 2024 | 15 | 25 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Mess Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Mess's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 233% from 12 procedures in 2013 to 40 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Mess
How does Dr. Mess's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Mess has performed 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Maryland average is 71 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Mess ranks #95 out of 166 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Mess perform?
Dr. Mess's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Mess in Columbia?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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 Maryland surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Mess represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Mess's total volume across all insurers at roughly 130 to 170 procedures against the 40 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Mess's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Mess's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2013 to 40 in the most recent data, a 233% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 40 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Mess perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Mess's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Mess affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Mess is affiliated with Medstar Montgomery Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.
How does Dr. Mess compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Mess ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Mess is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbia.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Mess practices?
Medstar Montgomery Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Johns Hopkins Howard County 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 Columbia, Maryland
Dr. Mess's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lucas Nikkel | 111 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Umasuthan Srikumaran | 61 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Joseph Layug | 31 | Knee |
| Dr. Ira Gelb | 20 | Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Tang | 19 | 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.