Dr. Michael Pahl, M.D.
Dr. Michael Pahl is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cookeville, Tennessee. Dr. Pahl has performed 34 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#21 in Tennessee) and 11 knee replacements, for a combined total of 45 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Pahl performs near average in shoulder (34 vs 33 avg), below average in knee (11 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Pahl's practice is heavily focused on shoulder replacement surgery, which accounts for 76% of reported Medicare volume.
Cookeville is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cookeville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Pahl extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 45 in the most recent data, a 137% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Pahl's 34 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.
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. Pahl Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Contact & Location
Cookeville, TN 38501
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pahl's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 137% from 19 procedures in 2016 to 45 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. Pahl
How does Dr. Pahl's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Pahl has performed 45 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Tennessee average is 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Pahl ranks #112 out of 214 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pahl perform?
Dr. Pahl's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (34 cases) and knee replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pahl in Cookeville?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Cookeville 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. Pahl 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. Pahl's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 45 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Pahl's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Pahl's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2016 to 45 in the most recent data, a 137% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 45 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Pahl perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Pahl's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (34 cases), knee replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pahl affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pahl is affiliated with Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Cumberland Medical Center.
How does Dr. Pahl compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cookeville?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Cookeville, Dr. Pahl ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Pahl is among the highest-volume surgeons in Cookeville.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pahl practices?
Cookeville Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cumberland 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 Cookeville, Tennessee
Dr. Pahl's 45 Medicare procedures are below the Cookeville average of 55. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cookeville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Gregory Roberts | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Turnbull | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kenneth Grinspun | 15 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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