Dr. Robert Howell, M.D.
Contact & Location
334-613-9000
Montgomery, AL 36117
Dr. Howell 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: #8 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Howell
Practice. Dr. Robert Howell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Montgomery, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 66 knee replacements and 62 hip replacements, 128 procedures in all. That is #8 in Alabama for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2009.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 11 years. Volume rose from 49 procedures a year to 128, up 161%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 66 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 13 | 36 |
| 2015 | 34 | 75 |
| 2016 | 38 | 30 |
| 2017 | 31 | 26 |
| 2018 | 31 | 36 |
| 2019 | 63 | 61 |
| 2020 | 40 | 59 |
| 2021 | 48 | 65 |
| 2022 | 51 | 76 |
| 2023 | 52 | 72 |
| 2024 | 62 | 66 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Howell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 161% from 49 procedures in 2014 to 128 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. Howell
How does Dr. Howell's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Howell has performed 128 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Howell ranks #5 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Howell perform?
Dr. Howell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases) and hip replacement (62 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Howell with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Howell ranks #8 in Alabama for knee replacement with 66 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 126 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Howell 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. Howell 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Howell's total volume across all insurers at roughly 420 to 530 procedures against the 128 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. Howell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Howell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 49 procedures in 2014 to 128 in the most recent data, a 161% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 128 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Howell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Howell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases), hip replacement (62 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Howell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Howell is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center South, Baptist Medical Center East, Prattville Baptist Hospital, Elmore Community Hospital, Regional Medical Center Of Central Alabama.
How does Dr. Howell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery, Dr. Howell ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Howell has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Howell practices?
Baptist Medical Center South (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist Medical Center East (4 out of 5 CMS stars); 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. Howell's 128 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. Charles Hartzog | 62 | 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.