Shoulder
Dr. Brent Ponce, MD
Dr. Brent Ponce is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Birmingham, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Ponce has performed 47 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #2 in Alabama.
In Alabama, Dr. Ponce performs well above average in shoulder (47 vs 23 avg).
Dr. Ponce's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 47 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Birmingham is home to 28 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Birmingham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Ponce also maintains hospital privileges in SC and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Alabama.
Medicare records for Dr. Ponce extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 35 to 47 in the most recent data, a 34% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ponce's 47 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. Ponce Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Contact & Location
Birmingham, AL 35233
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ponce's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 34% from 35 procedures in 2013 to 47 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:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
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. Ponce
How does Dr. Ponce's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Ponce has performed 47 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ponce ranks #48 out of 129 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ponce perform?
Dr. Ponce's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 47 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Ponce with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Ponce ranks #2 in Alabama for shoulder replacement with 47 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 129 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ponce in Birmingham?
Yes. There are 28 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham 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 Alabama surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ponce 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. Ponce's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 47 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ponce's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ponce's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 35 procedures in 2013 to 47 in the most recent data, a 34% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 47 procedures in 2015.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ponce affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ponce is affiliated with Musc Medical Center, Memorial Health Meadows Hospital. Dr. Ponce maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Ponce compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham?
Among the 28 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham, Dr. Ponce ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Birmingham has 143 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ponce practices?
Musc Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Memorial Health Meadows Hospital (5 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 Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Ponce's 47 Medicare procedures are below the Birmingham average of 83. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Birmingham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Moore | 143 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Worthen | 95 | Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Davis | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Adkison | 81 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Billy McGough | 64 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Benton Emblom | 61 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.