Dr. David Adkison, M.D.
Contact & Location
205-933-7838
Birmingham, AL 35205
Dr. Adkison performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 96% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #1 of 27 ranked shoulder surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Adkison
Practice. Dr. David Adkison is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Birmingham, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 71 shoulder replacements. That is #1 in Alabama for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 34 and 82 procedures a year.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 71 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 29. That is #113 nationally.
Local context. Birmingham has 29 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | 52 |
| 2014 | 12 | 45 |
| 2015 | 0 | 41 |
| 2016 | 0 | 48 |
| 2017 | 0 | 34 |
| 2018 | 0 | 43 |
| 2019 | 0 | 45 |
| 2020 | 0 | 58 |
| 2021 | 0 | 58 |
| 2022 | 0 | 82 |
| 2023 | 0 | 81 |
| 2024 | 0 | 71 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Adkison Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Adkison's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 34 to 82 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Adkison
How does Dr. Adkison's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Adkison has performed 71 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Adkison ranks #20 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Adkison perform?
Dr. Adkison's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 71 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Adkison with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Adkison ranks #1 in Alabama for shoulder replacement with 71 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 126 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Adkison in Birmingham?
Yes. There are 29 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. Adkison 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Adkison's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 240 procedures against the 71 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. Adkison's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Adkison's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 34 to 82 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Adkison affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Adkison is affiliated with St Vincent'S Birmingham.
How does Dr. Adkison compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham?
Among the 29 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham, Dr. Adkison ranks #5 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. Adkison practices?
St Vincent'S Birmingham (3 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 Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Adkison's 71 Medicare procedures are below the Birmingham average of 90. 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 | 118 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jeffrey Davis | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Orr | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Billy McGough | 62 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Mark Elkus | 58 | Hip, 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.