Dr. Ken Carpenter, M.D.
Contact & Location
417-875-3800
Springfield, MO 65807
About Dr. Carpenter
Dr. Ken Carpenter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Springfield, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Carpenter performed 41 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #54 in Missouri.
In Missouri, Dr. Carpenter performs near the state average in knee (41 vs 42).
Dr. Carpenter's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 41 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Springfield is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Springfield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Carpenter extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 21 to 41 in the most recent data, a 95% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Carpenter's 41 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 21 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| 2018 | 18 | 22 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 | 25 | 13 |
| 2020 | 0 | 29 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 25 | 0 |
| 2023 | 15 | 30 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 41 | 0 |
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. Carpenter Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Carpenter's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 95% from 21 procedures in 2015 to 41 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Carpenter
How does Dr. Carpenter's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Carpenter has performed 41 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Carpenter ranks #107 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Carpenter perform?
Dr. Carpenter's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 41 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Carpenter in Springfield?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Springfield 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. Carpenter 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. Carpenter's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Carpenter's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Carpenter's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2015 to 41 in the most recent data, a 95% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 52 procedures in 2019.
Which hospitals is Dr. Carpenter affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Carpenter is affiliated with Cox Medical Centers, Cox Medical Center Branson, Cox Monett Hospital.
How does Dr. Carpenter compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Springfield?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Springfield, Dr. Carpenter ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Springfield has 208 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Carpenter practices?
Cox Medical Centers (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cox Medical Center Branson (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 Springfield, Missouri
Dr. Carpenter's 41 Medicare procedures are below the Springfield average of 110. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Springfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bradley Walz | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Wester | 202 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Duncan | 109 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Pierre Clothiaux | 75 | Knee |
| Dr. William Wester | 71 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jonathan Crites | 65 | Shoulder |
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.