Dr. Richard Friedman, MD
Dr. Richard Friedman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Friedman has performed 55 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#4 in South Carolina) and 13 knee replacements, for a combined total of 68 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Friedman performs above average in shoulder (55 vs 30 avg), below average in knee (13 vs 57 avg).
Dr. Friedman's practice is heavily focused on shoulder replacement surgery, which accounts for 81% of reported Medicare volume.
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.
Dr. Friedman's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 60 to 99 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Friedman's 55 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.
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. Friedman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Charleston, SC 29425
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Friedman's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 60 to 99 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Friedman
How does Dr. Friedman's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Friedman has performed 68 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 78 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Friedman ranks #68 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Friedman perform?
Dr. Friedman's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (55 cases) and knee replacement (13 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Friedman with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Friedman ranks #4 in South Carolina for shoulder replacement with 55 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 151 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Friedman 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. Friedman 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. Friedman's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 68 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Friedman's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Friedman's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 60 to 99 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Friedman perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Friedman's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (55 cases), knee replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Friedman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Charleston?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston, Dr. Friedman ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Charleston has 173 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Charleston, South Carolina
Dr. Friedman's 68 Medicare procedures are below 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. Eric Stem | 112 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harry Demos | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Hansen | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Lowery | 67 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Josef Eichinger | 45 | Shoulder |
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