Dr. Slif Ulrich, MD
Contact & Location
803-256-4107
Columbia, SC 29201
About Dr. Ulrich
Dr. Slif Ulrich is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Ulrich performed 61 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#43 in South Carolina) and 56 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 117 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Ulrich performs near the state average in knee (61 vs 58), above the state average in hip (56 vs 45).
Dr. Ulrich's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (61 cases) and hip replacements (56 cases).
Columbia is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ulrich extend back to 2017, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 81 to 117 in the most recent data, a 44% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ulrich's 61 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 57 | 24 |
| 2018 | 55 | 37 |
| 2019 | 56 | 51 |
| 2020 | 62 | 46 |
| 2021 | 50 | 39 |
| 2022 | 46 | 48 |
| 2023 | 51 | 61 |
| 2024 | 56 | 61 |
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. Ulrich Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ulrich's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 44% from 81 procedures in 2017 to 117 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Ulrich
How does Dr. Ulrich's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Ulrich has performed 117 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ulrich ranks #31 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ulrich perform?
Dr. Ulrich's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (61 cases) and hip replacement (56 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ulrich in Columbia?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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. Ulrich 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. Ulrich's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 117 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ulrich's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ulrich's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 81 procedures in 2017 to 117 in the most recent data, a 44% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 117 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Ulrich perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ulrich's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (61 cases), hip replacement (56 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ulrich affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ulrich is affiliated with Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown, Kershaw Medical Center, Mcleod Health Clarendon, Lexington Medical Center.
How does Dr. Ulrich compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Ulrich ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ulrich is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbia.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ulrich practices?
Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Kershaw Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mcleod Health Clarendon (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Ulrich's 117 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Presnal | 175 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coleman Fowble | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James O'leary | 97 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Corey Hamilton | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Douglas Schultz | 66 | Hip, Knee |
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.