Knee
Dr. Brian Blair, MD
Dr. Brian Blair is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Dr. Blair has performed 33 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #72 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Blair performs below average in knee (33 vs 57 avg).
Dr. Blair's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 33 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.
Murrells Inlet is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Murrells Inlet area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Blair's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2015. Volume peaked at 62 procedures in 2019 before settling at 33 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Blair's 33 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. Blair Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blair's recorded volume peaked at 62 procedures in 2019 and stood at 33 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 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. Blair
How does Dr. Blair's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Blair has performed 33 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. Blair ranks #98 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blair perform?
Dr. Blair's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 33 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Blair in Murrells Inlet?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Murrells Inlet 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. Blair 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. Blair's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 33 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Blair's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Blair's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 62 procedures in 2019 and was 33 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. Blair affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blair is affiliated with Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, Tidelands Health.
How does Dr. Blair compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Murrells Inlet?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Murrells Inlet, Dr. Blair ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Murrells Inlet has 205 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blair practices?
Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Tidelands Health (2 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 Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Dr. Blair's 33 Medicare procedures are below the Murrells Inlet average of 96. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Murrells Inlet.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bohan | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Single | 108 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Edward Mikol | 84 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. William Greer | 51 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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