Dr. Robert McAlindon, M.D.
Contact & Location
334-528-2663
Opelika, AL 36801
Dr. McAlindon performs more knee replacement procedures than 41% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #66 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. McAlindon
Practice. Dr. Robert McAlindon is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Opelika, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 23 knee replacements. That is #66 in Alabama for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 75 in 2013 and stands at 23 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Opelika has 4 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 |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 75 |
| 2014 | 51 |
| 2015 | 57 |
| 2016 | 61 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 37 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 23 |
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. McAlindon Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. McAlindon's recorded volume peaked at 75 procedures in 2013 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.
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. McAlindon
How does Dr. McAlindon's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. McAlindon 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. McAlindon ranks #82 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. McAlindon perform?
Dr. McAlindon's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. McAlindon in Opelika?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Opelika 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. McAlindon 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. McAlindon's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 100 procedures against the 23 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. McAlindon's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. McAlindon's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 75 procedures in 2013 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. McAlindon affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. McAlindon is affiliated with East Alabama Medical Center, Russell Medical Center, Eamc - Lanier.
How does Dr. McAlindon compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Opelika?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Opelika, Dr. McAlindon ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. McAlindon is among the highest-volume surgeons in Opelika.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. McAlindon practices?
East Alabama Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Russell Medical Center (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 Opelika, Alabama
Dr. McAlindon's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Opelika average of 46. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Opelika.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Sheils | 120 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Frazier Jones | 23 | Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Palmer | 17 | 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.