Dr. Richard Sharp, MD
Contact & Location
Decatur, AL 35601
Dr. Richard Sharp is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Decatur, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Sharp has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#100 in Alabama) and 11 hip replacements, for a combined total of 23 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Sharp performs below average in knee (12 vs 32 avg), below average in hip (11 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Sharp's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (12 cases) and hip replacements (11 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Sharp holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Decatur is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Decatur area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Sharp's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 75 procedures in 2016 before settling at 23 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Sharp's 12 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)
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. Sharp Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sharp's recorded volume peaked at 75 procedures in 2016 and stood at 23 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Sharp
How does Dr. Sharp's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Sharp has performed 23 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. Sharp ranks #81 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sharp perform?
Dr. Sharp's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (12 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sharp in Decatur?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Decatur 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. Sharp 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. Sharp's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 23 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sharp's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sharp's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 75 procedures in 2016 and was 23 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Sharp perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sharp's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (12 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sharp affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sharp is affiliated with Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus.
How does Dr. Sharp compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Decatur?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Decatur, Dr. Sharp ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Sharp is among the highest-volume surgeons in Decatur.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sharp practices?
Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus (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 Decatur, Alabama
Dr. Sharp's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Decatur average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Decatur.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Tapscott | 70 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. John Riehl | 47 | 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.