Dr. Brent Ponce, MD
Contact & Location
Charleston, SC 29425
Dr. Brent Ponce is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charleston, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Ponce has performed 22 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #28 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Ponce performs below average in shoulder (22 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Ponce's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 22 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.
Charleston is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Charleston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Ponce also maintains hospital privileges in SC and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond South Carolina.
Dr. Ponce's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2015 before settling at 22 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Ponce's 22 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Ponce Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ponce's recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2015 and stood at 22 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Ponce
How does Dr. Ponce's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Ponce has performed 22 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 76 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Ponce ranks #120 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ponce perform?
Dr. Ponce's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 22 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ponce in Charleston?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston 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. Ponce 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. Ponce's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 22 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ponce's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ponce's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2015 and was 22 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ponce affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ponce is affiliated with Musc Medical Center, Memorial Health Meadows Hospital. Dr. Ponce maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Ponce compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Charleston?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston, Dr. Ponce ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Charleston has 177 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ponce practices?
Musc Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Memorial Health Meadows Hospital (5 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 Charleston, South Carolina
Dr. Ponce's 22 Medicare procedures are below the Charleston average of 89. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Charleston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patrick Murray | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Hansen | 114 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harry Demos | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Stem | 93 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Lowery | 63 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Josef Eichinger | 52 | 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.