Dr. Richard Zimlich, M.D.
Contact & Location
843-797-5050
North Charleston, SC 29406
About Dr. Zimlich
Dr. Richard Zimlich is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in North Charleston, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Zimlich completed 120 knee replacements (#14 in South Carolina), 52 hip replacements, and 16 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 188 Medicare-verified procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Zimlich performs well above the state average in knee (120 vs 58), near the state average in hip (52 vs 45), below the state average in shoulder (16 vs 29).
Dr. Zimlich performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (120 cases), followed by hip replacements (52) and shoulder replacements (16).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Zimlich holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
North Charleston is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the North Charleston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Zimlich extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 113 to 188 in the most recent data, a 66% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Zimlich's 120 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 32 | 81 | 0 |
| 2014 | 26 | 77 | 0 |
| 2015 | 34 | 75 | 0 |
| 2016 | 36 | 93 | 0 |
| 2017 | 47 | 91 | 0 |
| 2018 | 36 | 74 | 0 |
| 2019 | 45 | 87 | 12 |
| 2020 | 48 | 55 | 12 |
| 2021 | 41 | 75 | 12 |
| 2022 | 35 | 107 | 17 |
| 2023 | 51 | 116 | 0 |
| 2024 | 52 | 120 | 16 |
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. Zimlich Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Zimlich's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 66% from 113 procedures in 2013 to 188 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Zimlich
How does Dr. Zimlich's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Zimlich has performed 188 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Zimlich ranks #12 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Zimlich perform?
Dr. Zimlich performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (120 cases), hip replacement (52 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Zimlich with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Zimlich ranks #14 in South Carolina for knee replacement with 120 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 158 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Zimlich in North Charleston?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in North 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. Zimlich 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. Zimlich's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 188 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Zimlich's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Zimlich's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 113 procedures in 2013 to 188 in the most recent data, a 66% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 188 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Zimlich perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Zimlich's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (120 cases), hip replacement (52 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Zimlich among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Zimlich affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Zimlich is affiliated with Trident Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Zimlich practices?
Trident 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 North Charleston, South Carolina
Dr. Zimlich's 188 Medicare procedures are above the North Charleston average of 103. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in North Charleston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Adam Schaaf | 17 | 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.