Dr. Elie Ghanem, MD
Contact & Location
573-882-2663
Columbia, MO 65212
About Dr. Ghanem
Dr. Elie Ghanem is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Ghanem performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#59 in Missouri) and 22 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 62 procedures.
In Missouri, Dr. Ghanem performs near the state average in knee (40 vs 42), below the state average in hip (22 vs 32).
Dr. Ghanem's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (40 cases) and hip replacements (22 cases).
Columbia is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Ghanem's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 126 procedures in 2013 before settling at 62 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ghanem's 40 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 50 | 76 |
| 2014 | 15 | 16 |
| 2015 | 15 | 18 |
| 2016 | 13 | 0 |
| 2017 | 12 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 | 19 |
| 2019 | 29 | 20 |
| 2020 | 20 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 | 16 |
| 2022 | 14 | 16 |
| 2023 | 20 | 14 |
| 2024 | 22 | 40 |
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. Ghanem Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ghanem's recorded volume peaked at 126 procedures in 2013 and stood at 62 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.
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. Ghanem
How does Dr. Ghanem's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Ghanem has performed 62 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ghanem ranks #73 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ghanem perform?
Dr. Ghanem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases) and hip replacement (22 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ghanem in Columbia?
Yes. There are 18 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ghanem 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. Ghanem's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 62 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ghanem's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ghanem's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 126 procedures in 2013 and was 62 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.
Does Dr. Ghanem perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ghanem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (22 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ghanem affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ghanem is affiliated with University Of Missouri Health Care, Lake Regional Health System.
How does Dr. Ghanem compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Ghanem ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 209 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ghanem practices?
University Of Missouri Health Care (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lake Regional Health System (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbia, Missouri
Dr. Ghanem's 62 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 127. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Samuel Thompson | 209 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alexander Wendling | 140 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alan Anz | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kurt Bormann | 137 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Aleto | 125 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Keeney | 77 | Hip, 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.