Dr. Gregory Polkowski, MD
Dr. Gregory Polkowski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Polkowski has performed 35 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#78 in Tennessee) and 20 hip replacements, for a combined total of 55 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Polkowski performs below average in knee (35 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (20 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Polkowski's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (35 cases) and hip replacements (20 cases).
Nashville is home to 35 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Nashville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Polkowski's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 144 procedures in 2021 before settling at 55 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Polkowski's 35 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. Polkowski Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Contact & Location
Nashville, TN 37232
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Polkowski's recorded volume peaked at 144 procedures in 2021 and stood at 55 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Polkowski
How does Dr. Polkowski's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Polkowski has performed 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Tennessee average of 64 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Polkowski ranks #92 out of 214 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Polkowski perform?
Dr. Polkowski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (35 cases) and hip replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Polkowski in Nashville?
Yes. There are 35 orthopedic surgeons in Nashville 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. Polkowski 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. Polkowski's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 55 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Polkowski's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Polkowski's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 144 procedures in 2021 and was 55 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.
Does Dr. Polkowski perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Polkowski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (35 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Polkowski affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Polkowski is affiliated with Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
How does Dr. Polkowski compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Nashville?
Among the 35 orthopedic surgeons in Nashville, Dr. Polkowski ranks #19 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Nashville has 238 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Polkowski practices?
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (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 Nashville, Tennessee
Dr. Polkowski's 55 Medicare procedures are below the Nashville average of 155. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Nashville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Deboer | 238 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Hodrick | 190 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jefferson Morrison | 165 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Gregory Raab | 151 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Shell | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Philip Karpos | 142 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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