Dr. Eric Gardner, M.D.
Contact & Location
308-635-1414
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Dr. Gardner performs more knee replacement procedures than 21% of orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #47 of 60 ranked knee surgeons in Nebraska.
About Dr. Gardner
Practice. Dr. Eric Gardner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The latest annual CMS data records 28 knee replacements and 26 hip replacements, 54 procedures in all. That is #47 in Nebraska for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 54, up 350%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Scottsbluff has 2 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 12 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 19 | 16 |
| 2017 | 17 | 0 |
| 2018 | 27 | 0 |
| 2019 | 20 | 0 |
| 2020 | 14 | 15 |
| 2021 | 20 | 22 |
| 2022 | 18 | 25 |
| 2023 | 17 | 21 |
| 2024 | 26 | 28 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Gardner Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Nebraska state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gardner's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 350% from 12 procedures in 2014 to 54 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Gardner
How does Dr. Gardner's procedure volume compare to other Nebraska surgeons?
Dr. Gardner has performed 54 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Nebraska average is 81 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Gardner ranks #41 out of 72 orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gardner perform?
Dr. Gardner's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (26 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gardner in Scottsbluff?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Scottsbluff 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 Nebraska surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Gardner 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Gardner's total volume across all insurers at roughly 180 to 230 procedures against the 54 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. Gardner's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gardner's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2014 to 54 in the most recent data, a 350% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 54 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Gardner perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gardner's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (26 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gardner affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gardner is affiliated with Banner Fort Collins Medical Center, Banner North Co Medical Center - Loveland Campus, Banner North Colorado Medical Center. Dr. Gardner maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gardner practices?
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Banner North Co Medical Center - Loveland Campus (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Banner North Colorado Medical Center (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 Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Dr. Gardner's 54 Medicare procedures are below the Scottsbluff average of 72. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Scottsbluff.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Timothy Friedlein | 90 | Hip, Knee, 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.