Dr. David Whiddon, MD
Dr. David Whiddon is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Clearwater, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Whiddon has performed 103 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#43 in Florida) and 49 hip replacements, for a combined total of 152 procedures.
In Florida, Dr. Whiddon performs well above average in knee (103 vs 49 avg), above average in hip (49 vs 39 avg).
Dr. Whiddon's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (103 cases) and hip replacements (49 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Whiddon holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Clearwater is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Clearwater area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Whiddon extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 91 to 152 in the most recent data, a 67% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Whiddon's 103 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Whiddon Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Contact & Location
Clearwater, FL 33756
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whiddon's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 67% from 91 procedures in 2013 to 152 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Whiddon
How does Dr. Whiddon's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Whiddon has performed 152 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Florida average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Whiddon ranks #60 out of 509 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whiddon perform?
Dr. Whiddon's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (103 cases) and hip replacement (49 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whiddon in Clearwater?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater 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. Whiddon 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. Whiddon's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 152 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Whiddon's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whiddon's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 91 procedures in 2013 to 152 in the most recent data, a 67% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 167 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Whiddon perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Whiddon's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (103 cases), hip replacement (49 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Whiddon affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whiddon is affiliated with Mease Dunedin Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital.
How does Dr. Whiddon compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater, Dr. Whiddon ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Whiddon is among the highest-volume surgeons in Clearwater.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Whiddon practices?
Mease Dunedin Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Morton Plant 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 Clearwater, Florida
Dr. Whiddon's 152 Medicare procedures are above the Clearwater average of 133. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Clearwater.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Andrew Cooper | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Kilgore | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Cheong | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mitchell Herrema | 127 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Aaron Koslin | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Wisotsky | 61 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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