Dr. Christopher Pankiw, MD
Contact & Location
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Dr. Christopher Pankiw is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Pankiw has performed 13 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #50 in Tennessee.
In Tennessee, Dr. Pankiw performs below average in shoulder (13 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Pankiw's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder 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.
Chattanooga is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chattanooga area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Pankiw first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2021. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Pankiw's 13 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Pankiw Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pankiw has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2021. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Pankiw
How does Dr. Pankiw's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Pankiw has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Tennessee average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Pankiw ranks #211 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pankiw perform?
Dr. Pankiw's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder 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. Pankiw in Chattanooga?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga 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 Tennessee surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Pankiw 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. Pankiw's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pankiw affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pankiw is affiliated with Parkridge Medical Center, Memorial Healthcare System, Inc.
How does Dr. Pankiw compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga, Dr. Pankiw ranks #18 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chattanooga has 311 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pankiw practices?
Parkridge Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Memorial Healthcare System, Inc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dr. Pankiw's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Chattanooga average of 147. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chattanooga.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Ballard | 311 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Nash | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Higgins | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kristopher Sanders | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rogers | 105 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Freeman | 96 | 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.