Dr. Alexander Burnikel, MD
Contact & Location
Greenville, SC 29615
Dr. Alexander Burnikel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Burnikel has performed 41 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#70 in South Carolina) and 28 hip replacements, for a combined total of 69 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Burnikel performs below average in knee (41 vs 58 avg), below average in hip (28 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Burnikel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (41 cases) and hip replacements (28 cases).
Greenville is home to 20 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Greenville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Burnikel first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Burnikel's 41 verified procedures is near 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. Burnikel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
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. Burnikel
How does Dr. Burnikel's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Burnikel has performed 69 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Burnikel ranks #64 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Burnikel perform?
Dr. Burnikel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases) and hip replacement (28 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Burnikel in Greenville?
Yes. There are 20 orthopedic surgeons in Greenville 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 South Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Burnikel 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. Burnikel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 69 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Burnikel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Burnikel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases), hip replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Burnikel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Burnikel is affiliated with Prisma Health Patewood Hospital, Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Burnikel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Greenville?
Among the 20 orthopedic surgeons in Greenville, Dr. Burnikel ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Greenville has 260 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Burnikel practices?
Prisma Health Patewood Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital (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 Greenville, South Carolina
Dr. Burnikel's 69 Medicare procedures are below the Greenville average of 164. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Greenville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Jennings | 260 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Burnikel | 243 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dylan Watson | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Ridgeway | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Cameron | 129 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Finley | 124 | 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.