Knee
Dr. Gregory Palutsis, MD
Dr. Gregory Palutsis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Florence, South Carolina. Dr. Palutsis has performed 34 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #70 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Palutsis performs below average in knee (34 vs 57 avg).
Dr. Palutsis's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 34 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.
Florence is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Florence area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Palutsis's Medicare record spans 10 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 15 to 57 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Palutsis's 34 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. Palutsis Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Florence, SC 29505
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Palutsis's procedure volume has been consistent across 10 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 57 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.
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.
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. Palutsis
How does Dr. Palutsis's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Palutsis has performed 34 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. Palutsis ranks #97 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Palutsis perform?
Dr. Palutsis's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 34 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Palutsis in Florence?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Florence 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. Palutsis 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. Palutsis's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Palutsis's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Palutsis's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 10 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 57 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Palutsis affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Palutsis is affiliated with Musc Health Florence Medical Center, Musc Health Marion Medical Center, Mcleod Regional Medical Center-Pee Dee.
How does Dr. Palutsis compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Florence?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Florence, Dr. Palutsis ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Florence has 177 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Palutsis practices?
Musc Health Florence Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Musc Health Marion Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mcleod Regional Medical Center-Pee Dee (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 Florence, South Carolina
Dr. Palutsis's 34 Medicare procedures are below the Florence average of 103. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Florence.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Chad Thurman | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Denton | 177 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Rodney Alan | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Zachary Dipaolo | 22 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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