Dr. Patrick Fernicola, M.D.
Contact & Location
Columbus, GA 31909
Dr. Patrick Fernicola is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Fernicola has performed 55 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#37 in Georgia) and 40 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 95 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Fernicola performs above average in knee (55 vs 40 avg), above average in shoulder (40 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Fernicola's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (55 cases) and shoulder replacements (40 cases).
Columbus is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbus area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Fernicola also maintains hospital privileges in AL and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Dr. Fernicola's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 95 to 133 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Fernicola's 55 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Fernicola Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Fernicola's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 95 to 133 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Fernicola
How does Dr. Fernicola's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Fernicola has performed 95 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Fernicola ranks #38 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Fernicola perform?
Dr. Fernicola's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases) and shoulder replacement (40 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Fernicola in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Fernicola 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. Fernicola's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 95 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Fernicola's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Fernicola's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 95 to 133 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Fernicola perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Fernicola's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases), shoulder replacement (40 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Fernicola affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Fernicola is affiliated with Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside. Dr. Fernicola maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Fernicola compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Fernicola ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Fernicola is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbus.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Fernicola practices?
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside (5 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 Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Fernicola's 95 Medicare procedures are above the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garland Gudger | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Ruark | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Waldrop | 42 | Hip, 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.