Dr. Charles Hartzog, M.D.
Contact & Location
334-274-9000
Montgomery, AL 36106
Dr. Hartzog performs more knee replacement procedures than 92% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #9 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Hartzog
Practice. Dr. Charles Hartzog is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Montgomery, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 62 knee replacements. That is #9 in Alabama for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 51 procedures a year to 62, up 22%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 62 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Montgomery has 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 51 |
| 2014 | 46 |
| 2015 | 48 |
| 2016 | 70 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 49 |
| 2019 | 56 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 63 |
| 2024 | 62 |
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. 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. Hartzog Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hartzog's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 22% from 51 procedures in 2013 to 62 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Hartzog
How does Dr. Hartzog's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Hartzog has performed 62 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hartzog ranks #28 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hartzog perform?
Dr. Hartzog's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 62 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Hartzog with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Hartzog ranks #9 in Alabama for knee replacement with 62 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 126 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hartzog in Montgomery?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery 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. Hartzog 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, which puts Dr. Hartzog's total volume across all insurers at roughly 220 to 270 procedures against the 62 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. Hartzog's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hartzog's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 51 procedures in 2013 to 62 in the most recent data, a 22% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 70 procedures in 2016.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hartzog affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hartzog is affiliated with Jackson Hospital & Clinic Inc, Regional Medical Center Of Central Alabama, Prattville Baptist Hospital, Baptist Medical Center East.
How does Dr. Hartzog compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery, Dr. Hartzog ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hartzog is among the highest-volume surgeons in Montgomery.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hartzog practices?
Jackson Hospital & Clinic Inc (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Regional Medical Center Of Central Alabama (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Prattville Baptist Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Montgomery, Alabama
Dr. Hartzog's 62 Medicare procedures are above the Montgomery average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Montgomery.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Howell | 128 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Randall | 48 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Roland Hester | 41 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Murphy | 24 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Stephen Samelson | 17 | Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Curtis | 12 | 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.