Dr. Darrick Saunders, DO
Contact & Location
239-772-4484
Cape Coral, FL 33990
About Dr. Saunders
Dr. Darrick Saunders is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cape Coral, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Saunders performed 22 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#288 in Florida) and 14 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 36 procedures.
In Florida, Dr. Saunders performs below the state average in knee (22 vs 48), below the state average in hip (14 vs 40).
Dr. Saunders's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (22 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Cape Coral is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cape Coral area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Saunders extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 21 to 36 in the most recent data, a 71% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Saunders's 22 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 | 0 | 21 |
| 2014 | 15 | 22 |
| 2015 | 0 | 20 |
| 2016 | 0 | 35 |
| 2017 | 12 | 31 |
| 2018 | 13 | 30 |
| 2019 | 12 | 29 |
| 2020 | 11 | 21 |
| 2021 | 0 | 26 |
| 2022 | 0 | 16 |
| 2023 | 0 | 25 |
| 2024 | 14 | 22 |
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. Saunders Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Saunders's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 71% from 21 procedures in 2013 to 36 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Saunders
How does Dr. Saunders's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Saunders has performed 36 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. Saunders ranks #332 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Saunders perform?
Dr. Saunders's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Saunders in Cape Coral?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Cape Coral 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. Saunders 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. Saunders's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 36 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Saunders's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Saunders's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2013 to 36 in the most recent data, a 71% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 43 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Saunders perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Saunders's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Saunders affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Saunders is affiliated with Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Saunders compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cape Coral?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Cape Coral, Dr. Saunders ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Saunders is among the highest-volume surgeons in Cape Coral.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Saunders practices?
Cape Coral Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Gulf Coast Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lee Memorial Hospital (4 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 Cape Coral, Florida
Dr. Saunders's 36 Medicare procedures are below the Cape Coral average of 46. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cape Coral.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Thompson | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Deiorio | 13 | 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.