Question 1

Who is the top-ranked shoulder replacement surgeon in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Paynter in Anchorage is the highest-volume shoulder replacement surgeon in Alaska with 38 Medicare procedures. Our rankings list 11 Alaska surgeons by verified Medicare procedure volume. High-volume surgeons are associated with better outcomes and fewer complications.

Question 2

How many shoulder replacement surgeons are in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Alaska has 11 orthopedic surgeons who perform shoulder replacement, with a combined 253 Medicare procedures. The average surgeon in our Alaska shoulder replacement rankings performs 23 procedures annually. Top cities include Anchorage, Wasilla, Sandpoint.

Question 3

What is the average cost of shoulder replacement in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

For Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska, out-of-pocket costs for shoulder replacement typically range from $1,500-$4,500 after meeting your deductible. Costs depend on your hospital choice, whether you have outpatient vs. inpatient surgery, and your specific Medicare plan. Reverse shoulder replacement may cost slightly more than anatomic replacement.

Question 4

Does Medicare cover shoulder replacement surgery in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Medicare Part A and Part B cover medically necessary shoulder replacement surgery in Alaska. Coverage includes the surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. You'll pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your Part B deductible. All 11 Alaska surgeons in our rankings accept Medicare assignment.

Question 5

How do I choose the right shoulder replacement surgeon in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Compare Alaska shoulder replacement surgeons by: (1) Medicare procedure volume: the top surgeon in Alaska performs 38 procedures; (2) Board certification in orthopedic surgery; (3) Fellowship training in joint replacement; (4) Hospital quality ratings; (5) Use of modern techniques like reverse shoulder replacement when appropriate; (6) Proximity to your home.

Question 6

What is the recovery time for shoulder replacement?

Accepted Answer

Initial recovery from shoulder replacement takes 6-8 weeks with arm support in a sling. Full recovery including strength and range of motion takes 6-12 months. Physical therapy typically continues for 3-6 months. Alaska shoulder surgeons provide comprehensive rehabilitation protocols.

Question 7

Why does surgeon procedure volume matter for shoulder replacement?

Accepted Answer

Medical research consistently shows that high-volume shoulder replacement surgeons achieve better patient outcomes. Studies published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that surgeons performing 50+ procedures annually have lower complication rates, fewer revision surgeries, and higher patient satisfaction. Our Alaska rankings use verified Medicare data to help you identify the most experienced surgeons.

Question 8

Which cities in Alaska have the best shoulder replacement surgeons?

Accepted Answer

The top cities for shoulder replacement surgery in Alaska include Anchorage, Wasilla, Sandpoint. These cities have the highest concentration of experienced shoulder replacement surgeons based on Medicare procedure volume data. We provide city-specific rankings to help you find qualified surgeons near you.

Top 25 Shoulder Replacement Surgeons in Alaska

Thomas Paynter

Charles Haggerty

Owen Ala

Daniel Cepela

Deryk Anderson

Jason Gray

Bradley Sparks

Adam Ellison

Jonathan Klaucke, M.D.

Neal Everson

Douglas Prevost

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Other Procedures in Alaska

Major Cities in Alaska

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