Knee
Dr. William Estes
Dr. William Estes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Dr. Estes has performed 13 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #113 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Estes performs below average in knee (13 vs 57 avg).
Dr. Estes's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 13 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Mount Pleasant is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Mount Pleasant area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Estes's Medicare data spans 8 years, beginning in 2014. Volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2020 before settling at 13 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Estes's 13 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Estes Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Estes's recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2020 and stood at 13 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Estes
How does Dr. Estes's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Estes has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 78 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Estes ranks #144 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Estes perform?
Dr. Estes's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Estes in Mount Pleasant?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Mount Pleasant 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. Estes 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. Estes's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Estes's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Estes's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2020 and was 13 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Estes affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Estes is affiliated with East Cooper Medical Center, Tidelands Health.
How does Dr. Estes compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Mount Pleasant?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Mount Pleasant, Dr. Estes ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Estes is among the highest-volume surgeons in Mount Pleasant.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Estes practices?
East Cooper Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Tidelands Health (2 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 Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Dr. Estes's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Mount Pleasant average of 46. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Mount Pleasant.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Hay | 105 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Demarco | 19 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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