Dr. David Lee, MD
Contact & Location
803-936-7966
West Columbia, SC 29169
About Dr. Lee
Dr. David Lee is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in West Columbia, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Lee performed 129 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#11 in South Carolina) and 57 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 186 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Lee performs well above the state average in knee (129 vs 58), above the state average in shoulder (57 vs 29).
Dr. Lee's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (129 cases) and shoulder replacements (57 cases).
West Columbia is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the West Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Lee extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 57 to 186 in the most recent data, a 226% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Lee's 129 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 38 | 19 |
| 2014 | 50 | 24 |
| 2015 | 78 | 14 |
| 2016 | 83 | 12 |
| 2017 | 91 | 14 |
| 2018 | 113 | 24 |
| 2019 | 102 | 27 |
| 2020 | 88 | 25 |
| 2021 | 97 | 26 |
| 2022 | 119 | 27 |
| 2023 | 111 | 41 |
| 2024 | 129 | 57 |
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. Lee Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lee's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 226% from 57 procedures in 2013 to 186 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.
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.
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 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. Lee
How does Dr. Lee's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Lee has performed 186 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Lee ranks #13 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lee perform?
Dr. Lee's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (129 cases) and shoulder replacement (57 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Lee with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Lee ranks #11 in South Carolina for knee replacement with 129 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 158 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lee in West Columbia?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in West 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. Lee 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. Lee's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 186 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lee's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lee's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 57 procedures in 2013 to 186 in the most recent data, a 226% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 186 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Lee perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lee's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (129 cases), shoulder replacement (57 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lee affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lee is affiliated with Lexington Medical Center, Mcleod Health Clarendon.
How does Dr. Lee compare to other orthopedic surgeons in West Columbia?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in West Columbia, Dr. Lee ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Lee has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lee practices?
Lexington Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); 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 West Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Lee's 186 Medicare procedures are above the West Columbia average of 87. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in West Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Hoyt Beard | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Piasecki | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gautham Gondi | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Kingery | 50 | Knee |
| Dr. Justin Knight | 44 | Shoulder |
| Dr. James McIntosh | 23 | 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.