Dr. Michael Kern, M.D.
Contact & Location
Knoxville, TN 37920
Dr. Michael Kern is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Kern has performed 14 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#46 in Tennessee) and 13 knee replacements, for a combined total of 27 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Kern performs below average in shoulder (14 vs 32 avg), below average in knee (13 vs 46 avg).
Dr. Kern's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (14 cases) and knee replacements (13 cases).
Knoxville is home to 32 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Knoxville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kern extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 20 to 27 in the most recent data, a 35% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kern's 14 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. Kern Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kern's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 35% from 20 procedures in 2022 to 27 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 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.
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 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. Kern
How does Dr. Kern's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Kern has performed 27 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. Kern ranks #156 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kern perform?
Dr. Kern's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (14 cases) and knee replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kern in Knoxville?
Yes. There are 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville 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. Kern 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. Kern's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 27 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kern's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kern's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 20 procedures in 2022 to 27 in the most recent data, a 35% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 34 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Kern perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kern's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (14 cases), knee replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kern affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kern is affiliated with University Of Tn Medical Center (The), Blount Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Kern compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville?
Among the 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville, Dr. Kern ranks #25 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Knoxville has 386 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kern practices?
University Of Tn Medical Center (The) (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Blount Memorial Hospital (4 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 Knoxville, Tennessee
Dr. Kern's 27 Medicare procedures are below the Knoxville average of 173. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Knoxville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Herman Botero | 386 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Conrad Ivie | 183 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Nadaud | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Sherrell | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harold Cates | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Dilworth | 141 | 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.