Dr. Kristopher Sanders, M.D.
Dr. Kristopher Sanders is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Sanders has performed 63 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#37 in Tennessee) and 52 hip replacements, for a combined total of 115 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Sanders performs above average in knee (63 vs 45 avg), above average in hip (52 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Sanders's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (63 cases) and hip replacements (52 cases).
Chattanooga is home to 17 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Sanders extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 17 to 115 in the most recent data, a 576% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sanders's 63 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Sanders Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Contact & Location
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sanders's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 576% from 17 procedures in 2017 to 115 in the most recent data.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Sanders
How does Dr. Sanders's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Sanders has performed 115 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Tennessee average of 64 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sanders ranks #33 out of 214 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sanders perform?
Dr. Sanders's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (63 cases) and hip replacement (52 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sanders in Chattanooga?
Yes. There are 17 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. Sanders 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. Sanders's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 115 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sanders's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sanders's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 17 procedures in 2017 to 115 in the most recent data, a 576% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 115 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Sanders perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sanders's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (63 cases), hip replacement (52 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sanders affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sanders is affiliated with Erlanger Health System.
How does Dr. Sanders compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga?
Among the 17 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga, Dr. Sanders ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chattanooga has 345 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sanders practices?
Erlanger Health System (3 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. Sanders's 115 Medicare procedures are below the Chattanooga average of 171. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chattanooga.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Ballard | 345 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Nash | 207 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Higgins | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rogers | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Freeman | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Bernard | 97 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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