Dr. Karl Pankratz
Contact & Location
068-792-4329
Lubbock, TX 79410
Dr. Pankratz performs more knee replacement procedures than 59% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #197 of 489 ranked knee surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Pankratz
Dr. Karl Pankratz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lubbock, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Pankratz performed 37 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#197 in Texas) and 33 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 70 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Pankratz performs near the state average in knee (37 vs 42), near the state average in hip (33 vs 31).
Dr. Pankratz's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (37 cases) and hip replacements (33 cases).
Lubbock is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lubbock area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Pankratz extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 45 to 70 in the most recent data, a 56% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Pankratz's 37 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 30 | 0 |
| 2014 | 11 | 29 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 44 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 | 26 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 29 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 | 31 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 35 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 23 | 11 |
| 2022 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| 2023 | 13 | 25 | 14 |
| 2024 | 33 | 37 | 0 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Pankratz Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pankratz's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 56% from 45 procedures in 2013 to 70 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-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.
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. Pankratz
How does Dr. Pankratz's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Pankratz has performed 70 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Pankratz ranks #142 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pankratz perform?
Dr. Pankratz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases) and hip replacement (33 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pankratz in Lubbock?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Pankratz represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Pankratz's total volume across all insurers at roughly 230 to 290 procedures against the 70 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Pankratz's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Pankratz's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 45 procedures in 2013 to 70 in the most recent data, a 56% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 70 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Pankratz perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Pankratz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases), hip replacement (33 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pankratz affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pankratz is affiliated with Lubbock Heart Hospital Lp, Grace Surgical Hospital, Covenant Medical Center, Covenant Childrens Hospital, University Medical Center.
How does Dr. Pankratz compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock, Dr. Pankratz ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lubbock has 282 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pankratz practices?
Lubbock Heart Hospital Lp (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Grace Surgical Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Covenant Medical Center (2 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 Lubbock, Texas
Dr. Pankratz's 70 Medicare procedures are below the Lubbock average of 119. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lubbock.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Shephard | 282 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jordan Simpson | 235 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Blue | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dylan Homen | 78 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. George Brindley | 40 | Knee |
| Dr. Jason Ramsey | 40 | Shoulder |
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.