#29 Hip
#45 Knee

Dr. Slif Ulrich, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
112 procedures 4 hospitals Columbia, SC
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 51 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 61 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Slif Ulrich is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Ulrich has performed 61 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#45 in South Carolina) and 51 hip replacements, for a combined total of 112 procedures.

In South Carolina, Dr. Ulrich performs near average in knee (61 vs 57 avg), near average in hip (51 vs 47 avg).

Dr. Ulrich's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (61 cases) and hip replacements (51 cases).

Columbia is home to 11 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 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 81 to 112 in the most recent data, a 38% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ulrich's 61 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
61 verified cases
#45 in South Carolina
Hip Replacement
51 verified cases
#29 in South Carolina
Estimated total: 300 – 340 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Hip Average
51 Avg: 47
Knee Average
61 Avg: 57
Dr. Ulrich South Carolina Average

Contact & Location

1910 Blanding St
Columbia, SC 29201
NPI: 1447413851
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Ulrich's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 38% from 81 procedures in 2017 to 112 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 7
2023 Volume 112
Peak Volume 112 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Musc Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown
★★★☆☆
Columbia, SC
Similar to national avg
H
Kershaw Medical Center
★★★☆☆
Camden, SC
Similar to national avg
H
Mcleod Health Clarendon
★★★☆☆
Manning, SC
Low case volume
H
Lexington Medical Center
★★★★☆
West Columbia, SC
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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 112 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 78 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ulrich ranks #35 out of 151 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 (51 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ulrich in Columbia?

Yes. There are 11 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 112 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 112 in the most recent data, a 38% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 112 procedures in 2023.

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 (51 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 11 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Ulrich ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 192 verified Medicare procedures.

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 112 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 116. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins 192 Hip, Knee
Dr. Bradley Presnal 172 Hip, Knee
Dr. Coleman Fowble 119 Hip, Knee
Dr. James O'leary 101 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. David Koon 70 Hip, Knee
Dr. Douglas Schultz 48 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Slif Ulrich, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/sc/dr-slif-ulrich-columbia.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/sc/dr-slif-ulrich-columbia.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.