Knee
Dr. Stephen Samelson, M.D.
Dr. Stephen Samelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Montgomery, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Samelson has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #85 in Alabama.
In Alabama, Dr. Samelson performs below average in knee (18 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Samelson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 18 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Montgomery is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Montgomery area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Samelson's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 31 procedures in 2016 before settling at 18 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Samelson's 18 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Samelson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Contact & Location
Montgomery, AL 36117
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Samelson's recorded volume peaked at 31 procedures in 2016 and stood at 18 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.
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 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. Samelson
How does Dr. Samelson's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Samelson has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Samelson ranks #102 out of 129 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Samelson perform?
Dr. Samelson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Samelson 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. Samelson 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. Samelson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 18 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Samelson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Samelson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 31 procedures in 2016 and was 18 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. Samelson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Samelson is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center South, Community Hospital Inc, Baptist Medical Center East, Prattville Baptist Hospital.
How does Dr. Samelson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Montgomery, Dr. Samelson ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Montgomery has 124 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Samelson 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). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Montgomery, Alabama
Dr. Samelson's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Montgomery average of 48. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Montgomery.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Howell | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Hartzog | 63 | Knee |
| Dr. Roland Hester | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Randall | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Barrington | 29 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Murphy | 20 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
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