Knee
Dr. Lew Papendick, MD
Dr. Lew Papendick is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rapid City, South Dakota. Dr. Papendick has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #30 in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, Dr. Papendick performs below average in knee (27 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Papendick's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 27 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.
Rapid City is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Rapid City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Papendick's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 48 procedures in 2014 before settling at 27 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Papendick's 27 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. Papendick Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Contact & Location
Rapid City, SD 57702
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Papendick's recorded volume peaked at 48 procedures in 2014 and stood at 27 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.
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 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. Papendick
How does Dr. Papendick's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Papendick has performed 27 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Dakota average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Papendick ranks #43 out of 51 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Papendick perform?
Dr. Papendick's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 27 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Papendick in Rapid City?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Rapid City 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 Dakota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Papendick 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. Papendick's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 27 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Papendick's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Papendick's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 48 procedures in 2014 and was 27 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. Papendick affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Papendick is affiliated with Black Hills Surgical Hospital Llc.
How does Dr. Papendick compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rapid City?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Rapid City, Dr. Papendick ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Rapid City has 190 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Papendick practices?
Black Hills Surgical Hospital Llc (hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Rapid City, South Dakota
Dr. Papendick's 27 Medicare procedures are below the Rapid City average of 87. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rapid City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Marrs | 190 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Mortimer | 150 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Clark Duchene | 90 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Giuseffi | 85 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Kadrmas | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Larson | 20 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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