Dr. Lew Papendick, M.D.
Contact & Location
605-341-1414
Rapid City, SD 57702
Dr. Papendick performs more knee replacement procedures than 50% of orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #24 of 48 ranked knee surgeons in South Dakota.
About Dr. Papendick
Practice. Dr. Lew Papendick is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rapid City, South Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 32 knee replacements. That is #24 in South Dakota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 21 and 48 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 32 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Rapid City has 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 48 |
| 2015 | 42 |
| 2016 | 37 |
| 2017 | 33 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 40 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 32 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Papendick Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Papendick's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 21 to 48 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 32 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Dakota average is 70 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Papendick ranks #40 out of 52 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 32 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 9 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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Papendick's total volume across all insurers at roughly 110 to 140 procedures against the 32 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Papendick's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Papendick's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 21 to 48 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
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 9 orthopedic surgeons in Rapid City, Dr. Papendick ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Rapid City has 147 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 32 Medicare procedures are below the Rapid City average of 81. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rapid City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Marrs | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Mortimer | 112 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Giuseffi | 92 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Clark Duchene | 91 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Kadrmas | 51 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Emmett McEleney | 45 | 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.