Dr. Jeffrey Hovater, D.O.
Contact & Location
256-718-3200
Florence, AL 35630
About Dr. Hovater
Dr. Jeffrey Hovater is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Florence, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Hovater performed 32 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#37 in Alabama) and 20 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 52 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Hovater performs near the state average in knee (32 vs 32), below the state average in hip (20 vs 26).
Dr. Hovater's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (32 cases) and hip replacements (20 cases).
Florence is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Florence area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Hovater also maintains hospital privileges in AL and MS, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Alabama.
Dr. Hovater's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 38 to 76 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hovater's 32 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 | 37 | 0 |
| 2014 | 14 | 36 | 14 |
| 2015 | 29 | 36 | 0 |
| 2016 | 22 | 28 | 15 |
| 2017 | 21 | 41 | 12 |
| 2018 | 13 | 31 | 15 |
| 2019 | 23 | 42 | 0 |
| 2020 | 17 | 21 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 27 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 38 | 12 |
| 2023 | 24 | 34 | 18 |
| 2024 | 20 | 32 | 0 |
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. Hovater Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hovater's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 38 to 76 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 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Hovater
How does Dr. Hovater's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Hovater has performed 52 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hovater ranks #38 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hovater perform?
Dr. Hovater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases) and hip replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hovater in Florence?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Florence 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. Hovater 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. Hovater's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 52 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hovater's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hovater's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 38 to 76 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Hovater perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hovater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (32 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hovater affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hovater is affiliated with Helen Keller Memorial Hospital, North Alabama Medical Center, Tishomingo Health Services Inc. Dr. Hovater maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Hovater compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Florence?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Florence, Dr. Hovater ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hovater is among the highest-volume surgeons in Florence.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hovater practices?
Helen Keller Memorial Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); North Alabama Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Tishomingo Health Services Inc (5 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 Florence, Alabama
Dr. Hovater's 52 Medicare procedures are above the Florence average of 50. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Florence.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Aaron Joiner | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Goodman | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Mann | 38 | Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Wright | 30 | 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.