Dr. Eric Stem, MD
Dr. Eric Stem is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Stem has performed 71 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#37 in South Carolina) and 41 hip replacements, for a combined total of 112 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Stem performs above average in knee (71 vs 57 avg), near average in hip (41 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Stem's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (71 cases) and hip replacements (41 cases).
Charleston is home to 11 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Stem extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 88 to 112 in the most recent data, a 27% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Stem's 71 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Stem Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Charleston, SC 29406
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stem's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 27% from 88 procedures in 2013 to 112 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Stem
How does Dr. Stem's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Stem has performed 112 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 78 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stem ranks #36 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stem perform?
Dr. Stem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (71 cases) and hip replacement (41 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stem in Charleston?
Yes. There are 11 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. Stem 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. Stem's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 112 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Stem's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stem's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 88 procedures in 2013 to 112 in the most recent data, a 27% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 156 procedures in 2020.
Does Dr. Stem perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (71 cases), hip replacement (41 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stem affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stem is affiliated with Trident Medical Center, Musc Medical Center, Colleton Medical Center, Roper Hospital.
How does Dr. Stem compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Charleston?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston, Dr. Stem ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Stem is among the highest-volume surgeons in Charleston.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stem practices?
Trident Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Musc Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Colleton Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). 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. Stem's 112 Medicare procedures are above the Charleston average of 91. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Charleston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patrick Murray | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harry Demos | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Hansen | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Friedman | 68 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Lowery | 67 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Josef Eichinger | 45 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.