Dr. Robert Tapscott, M.D.
Contact & Location
256-350-0362
Decatur, AL 35601
Dr. Tapscott performs more knee replacement procedures than 70% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #33 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Tapscott
Practice. Dr. Robert Tapscott is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Decatur, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 35 knee replacements and 35 shoulder replacements, 70 procedures in all. That is #33 in Alabama for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 58 procedures a year to 70, up 21%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 35 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Decatur 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 | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 34 | 24 |
| 2014 | 44 | 25 |
| 2015 | 39 | 32 |
| 2016 | 49 | 35 |
| 2017 | 49 | 45 |
| 2018 | 46 | 45 |
| 2019 | 44 | 34 |
| 2020 | 38 | 22 |
| 2021 | 39 | 32 |
| 2022 | 34 | 33 |
| 2023 | 31 | 37 |
| 2024 | 35 | 35 |
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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Tapscott Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Tapscott's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 21% from 58 procedures in 2013 to 70 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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Tapscott
How does Dr. Tapscott's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Tapscott has performed 70 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Tapscott ranks #22 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Tapscott perform?
Dr. Tapscott's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (35 cases) and shoulder replacement (35 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Tapscott 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. Tapscott 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Tapscott's total volume across all insurers at roughly 220 to 270 procedures against the 70 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. Tapscott's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Tapscott's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 58 procedures in 2013 to 70 in the most recent data, a 21% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 94 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Tapscott perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Tapscott's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (35 cases), shoulder replacement (35 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Tapscott affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Tapscott is affiliated with Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus, Athens Limestone Hospital.
How does Dr. Tapscott compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Decatur?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Decatur, Dr. Tapscott ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Tapscott has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Tapscott practices?
Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Athens Limestone Hospital (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. Tapscott's 70 Medicare procedures are above the Decatur average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Decatur.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Riehl | 47 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Sharp | 23 | 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.