Dr. Christopher Palmer, D.O.
Dr. Christopher Palmer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Louis, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Palmer has performed 93 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#12 in Missouri) and 28 hip replacements, for a combined total of 121 procedures.
In Missouri, Dr. Palmer performs well above average in knee (93 vs 43 avg), near average in hip (28 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Palmer's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 77% of reported Medicare volume.
Saint Louis is home to 50 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Saint Louis area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Palmer extend back to 2018, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 121 in the most recent data, a 908% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Palmer's 93 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Palmer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Contact & Location
Saint Louis, MO 63128
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Palmer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 908% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 121 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Palmer
How does Dr. Palmer's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Palmer has performed 121 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Missouri average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Palmer ranks #22 out of 199 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Palmer perform?
Dr. Palmer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (93 cases) and hip replacement (28 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Palmer with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Palmer ranks #12 in Missouri for knee replacement with 93 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 199 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Palmer in Saint Louis?
Yes. There are 50 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Palmer 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. Palmer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 121 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Palmer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Palmer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 121 in the most recent data, a 908% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 121 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Palmer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Palmer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (93 cases), hip replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Palmer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Palmer is affiliated with Ssm Health St Clare Hospital - Fenton, Mercy Hospital St Louis, St Lukes Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
How does Dr. Palmer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis?
Among the 50 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis, Dr. Palmer ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saint Louis has 263 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Palmer practices?
Ssm Health St Clare Hospital - Fenton (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital St Louis (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Lukes 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 Saint Louis, Missouri
Dr. Palmer's 121 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Louis average of 145. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Louis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ryan Nunley | 263 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Hubbard | 135 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Christopher Mudd | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ilya Bendich | 128 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coles L'hommedieu | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Hulsey | 113 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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