Dr. Brian Burnikel, M.D.
Contact & Location
Greenville, SC 29615
Dr. Brian Burnikel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Greenville, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Burnikel has performed 146 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#6 in South Carolina) and 97 hip replacements, for a combined total of 243 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Burnikel performs well above average in knee (146 vs 58 avg), well above average in hip (97 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Burnikel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (146 cases) and hip replacements (97 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Burnikel extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 159 to 243 in the most recent data, a 53% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Burnikel's 146 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #193 nationally.
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Burnikel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 53% from 159 procedures in 2013 to 243 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
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 243 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Burnikel ranks #6 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 (146 cases) and hip replacement (97 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Burnikel with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Burnikel ranks #6 in South Carolina for knee replacement with 146 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 158 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
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 243 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Burnikel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Burnikel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 159 procedures in 2013 to 243 in the most recent data, a 53% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 245 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Burnikel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Burnikel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (146 cases), hip replacement (97 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, St Francis-Downtown, Anmed Health, Self Regional Healthcare, Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.
How does Dr. Burnikel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Greenville?
Among the 20 orthopedic surgeons in Greenville, Dr. Burnikel ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Burnikel is among the highest-volume surgeons in Greenville.
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); St Francis-Downtown (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Anmed Health (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 243 Medicare procedures are above the Greenville average of 168. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Greenville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Jennings | 260 | 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 |
| Dr. Stephen Geary | 96 | 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.