Knee
Dr. Brian Pienkos, MD
Dr. Brian Pienkos is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Pienkos has performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #191 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Pienkos performs below average in knee (19 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Pienkos's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 19 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Pienkos holds additional credentials in General Practice, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Rutherfordton is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Rutherfordton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Pienkos first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Pienkos's 19 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Pienkos Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pienkos has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Pienkos
How does Dr. Pienkos's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Pienkos has performed 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Pienkos ranks #240 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pienkos perform?
Dr. Pienkos's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pienkos in Rutherfordton?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Rutherfordton 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. Pienkos 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. Pienkos's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 19 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pienkos affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pienkos is affiliated with Rutherford Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Pienkos compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rutherfordton?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Rutherfordton, Dr. Pienkos ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Pienkos is among the highest-volume surgeons in Rutherfordton.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pienkos practices?
Rutherford Regional Medical Center (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 Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Dr. Pienkos's 19 Medicare procedures are below the Rutherfordton average of 46. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rutherfordton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Roberts | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Bond | 50 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
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