Dr. Eric Lerche, D.O.
Dr. Eric Lerche is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Traverse City, Michigan. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Lerche has performed 32 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#76 in Michigan) and 32 hip replacements, for a combined total of 64 procedures.
In Michigan, Dr. Lerche performs near average in knee (32 vs 33 avg), near average in hip (32 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Lerche's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (32 cases) and hip replacements (32 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Lerche holds additional credentials in Orthopaedic Trauma, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Traverse City is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Traverse City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Lerche extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 33 to 64 in the most recent data, a 94% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Lerche's 32 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. Lerche Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Contact & Location
Traverse City, MI 49684
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lerche's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 94% from 33 procedures in 2016 to 64 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Lerche
How does Dr. Lerche's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Lerche has performed 64 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Michigan average of 48 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Lerche ranks #60 out of 272 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lerche perform?
Dr. Lerche's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases) and hip replacement (32 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lerche in Traverse City?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Traverse City 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 Michigan surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Lerche 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. Lerche's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 64 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lerche's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lerche's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 33 procedures in 2016 to 64 in the most recent data, a 94% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 82 procedures in 2020.
Does Dr. Lerche perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lerche's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lerche affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lerche is affiliated with Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital, Munson Medical Center, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Lerche compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Traverse City?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Traverse City, Dr. Lerche ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Traverse City has 130 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lerche practices?
Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Munson Medical Center (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 Traverse City, Michigan
Dr. Lerche's 64 Medicare procedures are below the Traverse City average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Traverse City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Galdes | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph McGraw | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Hollander | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Austin | 52 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brent Wiersema | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Boyce | 48 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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