Dr. Joel Buchalter, MD
Dr. Joel Buchalter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Carmel, New York. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Buchalter has completed 113 knee replacements (#20 in New York), 89 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements, totaling 215 Medicare-verified procedures.
In New York, Dr. Buchalter performs well above average in knee (113 vs 45 avg), well above average in hip (89 vs 42 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Buchalter performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (113 cases), followed by hip replacements (89) and shoulder replacements (13).
Carmel is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Carmel area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Buchalter extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 116 to 215 in the most recent data, a 85% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Buchalter's 113 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Buchalter Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Contact & Location
Carmel, NY 10512
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Buchalter's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 85% from 116 procedures in 2013 to 215 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Buchalter
How does Dr. Buchalter's procedure volume compare to other New York surgeons?
Dr. Buchalter has performed 215 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the New York average of 67 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Buchalter ranks #15 out of 338 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Buchalter perform?
Dr. Buchalter performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (113 cases), hip replacement (89 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Buchalter with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Buchalter ranks #20 in New York for knee replacement with 113 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 338 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Buchalter in Carmel?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Carmel 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 New York surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Buchalter 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. Buchalter's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 215 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Buchalter's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Buchalter's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 116 procedures in 2013 to 215 in the most recent data, a 85% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 215 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Buchalter perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Buchalter's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (113 cases), hip replacement (89 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Buchalter among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Buchalter affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Buchalter is affiliated with Northern Westchester Hospital, Putnam Hospital Center, Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
How does Dr. Buchalter compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Carmel?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Carmel, Dr. Buchalter ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Buchalter has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Buchalter practices?
Northern Westchester Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Putnam Hospital Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Vassar Brothers Medical Center (3 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 Carmel, New York
Dr. Buchalter's 215 Medicare procedures are above the Carmel average of 66. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Carmel.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Fauser | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Smith | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stuart Styles | 27 | Knee |
| Dr. Victor Khabie | 22 | Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Howard | 19 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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