Dr. Gregory Polkowski, MD
Contact & Location
Nashville, TN 37232
Dr. Gregory Polkowski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Nashville, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Polkowski has performed 58 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#45 in Tennessee) and 23 hip replacements, for a combined total of 81 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Polkowski performs above average in knee (58 vs 46 avg), below average in hip (23 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Polkowski's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (58 cases) and hip replacements (23 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Polkowski holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Nashville is home to 37 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 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 144 procedures in 2021 before settling at 81 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Polkowski's 58 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Polkowski Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Polkowski's recorded volume peaked at 144 procedures in 2021 and stood at 81 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 81 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Polkowski ranks #62 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Polkowski perform?
Dr. Polkowski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (58 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Polkowski in Nashville?
Yes. There are 37 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 81 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 81 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 (58 cases), hip replacement (23 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 37 orthopedic surgeons in Nashville, Dr. Polkowski ranks #17 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Nashville has 265 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 81 Medicare procedures are below the Nashville average of 148. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Nashville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Deboer | 265 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Hodrick | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Raab | 151 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jefferson Morrison | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wesley Mayes | 125 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Carpenter | 120 | 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.