Dr. Brian Krenzel, M.D.
Contact & Location
704-323-2000
Hickory, NC 28602
About Dr. Krenzel
Dr. Brian Krenzel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hickory, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Krenzel performed 84 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#30 in North Carolina) and 66 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 150 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Krenzel performs above the state average in knee (84 vs 44), well above the state average in hip (66 vs 33).
Dr. Krenzel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (84 cases) and hip replacements (66 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Krenzel holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Hickory is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hickory area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Krenzel extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 99 to 150 in the most recent data, a 52% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Krenzel's 84 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 51 | 48 |
| 2014 | 51 | 40 |
| 2015 | 72 | 40 |
| 2016 | 58 | 46 |
| 2017 | 63 | 63 |
| 2018 | 61 | 54 |
| 2019 | 52 | 74 |
| 2020 | 70 | 76 |
| 2021 | 86 | 91 |
| 2022 | 75 | 94 |
| 2023 | 74 | 91 |
| 2024 | 66 | 84 |
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. Krenzel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Krenzel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 52% from 99 procedures in 2013 to 150 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Krenzel
How does Dr. Krenzel's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Krenzel has performed 150 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Krenzel ranks #27 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Krenzel perform?
Dr. Krenzel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (84 cases) and hip replacement (66 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Krenzel in Hickory?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hickory 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Krenzel 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. Krenzel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 150 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Krenzel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Krenzel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 99 procedures in 2013 to 150 in the most recent data, a 52% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 177 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Krenzel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Krenzel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (84 cases), hip replacement (66 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Krenzel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Krenzel is affiliated with Catawba Valley Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center, North Carolina Baptist Hospital.
How does Dr. Krenzel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hickory?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hickory, Dr. Krenzel ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Krenzel is among the highest-volume surgeons in Hickory.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Krenzel practices?
Catawba Valley Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Frye Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); North Carolina Baptist Hospital (3 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 Hickory, North Carolina
Dr. Krenzel's 150 Medicare procedures are above the Hickory average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hickory.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason Norcross | 203 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Phillip Bostian | 175 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Keller | 20 | 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.