Dr. Santosh George, M.D.
Contact & Location
816-781-6066
Liberty, MO 64068
Dr. George performs more knee replacement procedures than 78% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #35 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. George
Practice. Dr. Santosh George is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Liberty, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 59 knee replacements and 12 shoulder replacements, 71 procedures in all. That is #35 in Missouri for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 40 and 76 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 59 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Liberty has 3 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 47 | 16 |
| 2014 | 0 | 28 | 24 |
| 2015 | 0 | 40 | 16 |
| 2016 | 14 | 42 | 20 |
| 2017 | 0 | 42 | 12 |
| 2018 | 0 | 41 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 40 | 0 |
| 2020 | 14 | 39 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 45 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 55 | 0 |
| 2023 | 15 | 47 | 12 |
| 2024 | 0 | 59 | 12 |
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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. George Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. George's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 40 to 76 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. George
How does Dr. George's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. George has performed 71 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. George ranks #59 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. George perform?
Dr. George's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases) and shoulder replacement (12 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. George in Liberty?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Liberty 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. George 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. George's total volume across all insurers at roughly 240 to 300 procedures against the 71 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. George's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. George's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 40 to 76 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. George perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. George's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. George affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. George is affiliated with Liberty Hospital, Hedrick Medical Center, Wright Memorial Hospital, Excelsior Springs Hospital, Cameron Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. George compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Liberty?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Liberty, Dr. George ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. George is among the highest-volume surgeons in Liberty.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. George practices?
Liberty Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hedrick Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Liberty, Missouri
Dr. George's 71 Medicare procedures are above the Liberty average of 54. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Liberty.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joshua Niemann | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Snyder | 12 | 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.