Dr. Eric Stem, M.D.
Contact & Location
843-797-5050
Charleston, SC 29406
Dr. Stem performs more knee replacement procedures than 62% of orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #45 of 120 ranked knee surgeons in South Carolina.
About Dr. Stem
Practice. Dr. Eric Stem is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charleston, South Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 59 knee replacements and 34 hip replacements, 93 procedures in all. That is #45 in South Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 86 and 156 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 59 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Charleston has 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25 | 63 | 0 |
| 2014 | 20 | 66 | 0 |
| 2015 | 27 | 65 | 0 |
| 2016 | 31 | 79 | 0 |
| 2017 | 32 | 81 | 0 |
| 2018 | 42 | 101 | 0 |
| 2019 | 31 | 106 | 0 |
| 2020 | 33 | 111 | 12 |
| 2021 | 45 | 92 | 11 |
| 2022 | 35 | 76 | 0 |
| 2023 | 41 | 71 | 0 |
| 2024 | 34 | 59 | 0 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Stem Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stem's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 86 to 156 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 93 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stem ranks #49 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stem perform?
Dr. Stem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases) and hip replacement (34 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stem 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. Stem represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Stem's total volume across all insurers at roughly 310 to 390 procedures against the 93 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Stem's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Stem's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 86 to 156 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Stem perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stem's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases), hip replacement (34 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, Colleton Medical Center, Musc Medical Center, Roper St Francis Hospital-Berkely Inc, Roper Hospital.
How does Dr. Stem compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Charleston?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston, Dr. Stem ranks #4 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. Stem practices?
Trident 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); Musc Medical Center (3 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 93 Medicare procedures are above the Charleston average of 92. 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. Robert Lowery | 63 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Josef Eichinger | 52 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Richard Friedman | 42 | 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.