Dr. Dale Whitaker, M.D.
Contact & Location
904-265-4310
Jacksonville, FL 32256
About Dr. Whitaker
Dr. Dale Whitaker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Jacksonville, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Whitaker performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #277 in Florida.
In Florida, Dr. Whitaker performs below the state average in knee (23 vs 48).
Dr. Whitaker's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 23 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.
Jacksonville is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Jacksonville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Whitaker's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 94 procedures in 2019 before settling at 23 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Whitaker's 23 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 33 |
| 2014 | 27 | 47 |
| 2015 | 21 | 53 |
| 2016 | 16 | 47 |
| 2017 | 30 | 45 |
| 2018 | 27 | 49 |
| 2019 | 36 | 58 |
| 2020 | 21 | 62 |
| 2021 | 27 | 48 |
| 2022 | 20 | 50 |
| 2023 | 0 | 18 |
| 2024 | 0 | 23 |
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. Whitaker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whitaker's recorded volume peaked at 94 procedures in 2019 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Whitaker
How does Dr. Whitaker's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Whitaker has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Florida average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Whitaker ranks #404 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whitaker perform?
Dr. Whitaker'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. Whitaker in Jacksonville?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville 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 Florida surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Whitaker 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. Whitaker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 23 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Whitaker's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Whitaker's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 94 procedures in 2019 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. Whitaker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whitaker is affiliated with Hca Florida Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Whitaker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Jacksonville, Dr. Whitaker ranks #19 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Jacksonville has 266 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Whitaker practices?
Hca Florida Memorial Hospital (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 Jacksonville, Florida
Dr. Whitaker's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Jacksonville average of 158. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Jacksonville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Redmond | 266 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brett Frykberg | 194 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Phillip Bell | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Cedric Ortiguera | 164 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Gavan Duffy | 154 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Pujadas | 133 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.