Dr. Kurtis Kowalski, MD
Contact & Location
Clarksville, TN 37043
Dr. Kurtis Kowalski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Clarksville, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Kowalski has completed 26 hip replacements (#69 in Tennessee), 24 knee replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements, totaling 63 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Kowalski performs below average in hip (26 vs 36 avg), below average in knee (24 vs 46 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Kowalski performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is hip replacements (26 cases), followed by knee replacements (24) and shoulder replacements (13).
Clarksville is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Clarksville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kowalski extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 23 to 63 in the most recent data, a 174% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kowalski's 26 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 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. Kowalski Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kowalski's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 174% from 23 procedures in 2016 to 63 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Kowalski
How does Dr. Kowalski's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Kowalski has performed 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kowalski ranks #87 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kowalski perform?
Dr. Kowalski performs all three major joint replacement procedures: hip replacement (26 cases), knee replacement (24 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kowalski in Clarksville?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Clarksville 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. Kowalski 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. Kowalski's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 63 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kowalski's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kowalski's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2016 to 63 in the most recent data, a 174% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 63 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Kowalski perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kowalski's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (26 cases), knee replacement (24 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Kowalski among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kowalski affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kowalski is affiliated with Tennova Healthcare - Clarksville, Tristar Northcrest Medical Center.
How does Dr. Kowalski compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Clarksville?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Clarksville, Dr. Kowalski ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kowalski has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kowalski practices?
Tennova Healthcare - Clarksville (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Tristar Northcrest Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Clarksville, Tennessee
Dr. Kowalski's 63 Medicare procedures are above the Clarksville average of 29. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Clarksville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Devries | 37 | Knee |
| Dr. Tyler Morris | 35 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Lucas Teske | 28 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Alison Cabrera | 16 | Shoulder |
| Dr. William Beazley | 13 | Knee |
| Dr. Keith Starkweather | 12 | 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.