Dr. Robert Lowery, MD
Contact & Location
Charleston, SC 29401
Dr. Robert Lowery is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charleston, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Lowery has performed 52 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#50 in South Carolina) and 11 hip replacements, for a combined total of 63 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Lowery performs near average in knee (52 vs 58 avg), below average in hip (11 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Lowery's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 83% of reported Medicare volume.
Charleston is home to 14 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. Lowery extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 31 to 63 in the most recent data, a 103% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Lowery's 52 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Lowery Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lowery's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 103% from 31 procedures in 2013 to 63 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Lowery
How does Dr. Lowery's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Lowery has performed 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Lowery ranks #69 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lowery perform?
Dr. Lowery's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lowery 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. Lowery 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. Lowery's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 63 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lowery's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lowery's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 31 procedures in 2013 to 63 in the most recent data, a 103% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 67 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Lowery perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lowery's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lowery affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lowery is affiliated with Roper Hospital, Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital, Mount Pleasant Hospital, Roper St Francis Hospital-Berkely Inc.
How does Dr. Lowery compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Charleston?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Charleston, Dr. Lowery ranks #5 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. Lowery practices?
Roper Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars); Mount Pleasant Hospital (5 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. Lowery's 63 Medicare procedures are below 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. Eric Stem | 93 | 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.