Knee
Dr. Bernard Kirol, M.D.
Dr. Bernard Kirol is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Kirol has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #81 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Kirol performs below average in knee (28 vs 57 avg).
Dr. Kirol's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 28 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.
Columbia is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kirol extend back to 2013, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 16 to 28 in the most recent data, a 75% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kirol's 28 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. Kirol Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Columbia, SC 29201
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kirol's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 75% from 16 procedures in 2013 to 28 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. Kirol
How does Dr. Kirol's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Kirol has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 78 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kirol ranks #108 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kirol perform?
Dr. Kirol's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 28 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kirol in Columbia?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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. Kirol 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. Kirol's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 28 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kirol's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kirol's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2013 to 28 in the most recent data, a 75% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 30 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kirol affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kirol is affiliated with Mcleod Health Clarendon.
How does Dr. Kirol compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Kirol ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 192 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kirol practices?
Mcleod Health Clarendon (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 Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Kirol's 28 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 113. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins | 192 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Presnal | 172 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coleman Fowble | 119 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Slif Ulrich | 112 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James O'leary | 101 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Koon | 70 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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