Dr. Duane Tippets, D.O.
Contact & Location
256-236-4121
Anniston, AL 36207
Dr. Tippets performs more knee replacement procedures than 44% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #63 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Tippets
Practice. Dr. Duane Tippets is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Anniston, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 24 knee replacements. That is #63 in Alabama for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2011.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 5 years. Volume rose from 14 procedures a year to 24, up 71%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 24 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Anniston has 3 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 | 0 | 15 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 11 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 13 |
| 2024 | 0 | 24 |
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. Tippets Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Tippets's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 71% from 14 procedures in 2018 to 24 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.
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 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. Tippets
How does Dr. Tippets's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Tippets has performed 24 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 44 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Tippets ranks #77 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Tippets perform?
Dr. Tippets's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Tippets in Anniston?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Anniston 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. Tippets 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. Tippets's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 100 procedures against the 24 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. Tippets's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Tippets's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2018 to 24 in the most recent data, a 71% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 24 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Tippets affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Tippets is affiliated with Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Tippets compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Anniston?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Anniston, Dr. Tippets ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Tippets has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Tippets practices?
Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (1 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 Anniston, Alabama
Dr. Tippets's 24 Medicare procedures are above the Anniston average of 16. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Anniston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Wiedmer | 13 | Knee |
| Dr. Kenneth Vandervoort | 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.