Dr. Scott Appell, M.D.
Contact & Location
Vestavia, AL 35243
Dr. Scott Appell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Vestavia, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Appell has completed 44 hip replacements (#9 in Alabama), 33 knee replacements, and 16 shoulder replacements, totaling 93 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Appell performs above average in hip (44 vs 26 avg), near average in knee (33 vs 32 avg), near average in shoulder (16 vs 20 avg).
Dr. Appell performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is hip replacements (44 cases), followed by knee replacements (33) and shoulder replacements (16).
Vestavia is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Vestavia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Appell's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 87 to 135 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Appell's 44 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Appell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Appell's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 87 to 135 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Appell
How does Dr. Appell's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Appell has performed 93 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Appell ranks #12 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Appell perform?
Dr. Appell performs all three major joint replacement procedures: hip replacement (44 cases), knee replacement (33 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Appell with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Appell ranks #9 in Alabama for hip replacement with 44 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 126 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Appell in Vestavia?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Vestavia 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. Appell 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. Appell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 93 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Appell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Appell's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 87 to 135 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Appell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Appell's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (44 cases), knee replacement (33 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Appell among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Appell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Appell is affiliated with Grandview Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Appell practices?
Grandview Medical Center (2 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 Vestavia, Alabama
Dr. Appell's 93 Medicare procedures are above the Vestavia average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Vestavia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Sorrell | 35 | 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.