#28 Knee
#277 Hip

Dr. Ronald Gardner, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
138 procedures 4 hospitals Fort Myers, FL
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star Top 10% Nationally
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 13 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 125 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Ronald Gardner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Myers, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Gardner has performed 125 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#28 in Florida) and 13 hip replacements, for a combined total of 138 procedures.

In Florida, Dr. Gardner performs well above average in knee (125 vs 49 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 39 avg).

Dr. Gardner's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 91% of reported Medicare volume.

Fort Myers is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fort Myers area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Gardner extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 39 to 138 in the most recent data, a 254% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gardner's 125 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
125 verified cases
#28 in Florida
Hip Replacement
13 verified cases
#277 in Florida
Estimated total: 370 – 420 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Gardner Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.

Hip Below Avg
13 Avg: 39
Knee Very High
125 Avg: 49
Dr. Gardner Florida Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 239-277-7070
3033 Winkler Ave Unit 100
Fort Myers, FL 33916
NPI: 1255334488
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Gardner's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 254% from 39 procedures in 2013 to 138 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 138
Peak Volume 138 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Lee Memorial Hospital
★★★★☆
Fort Myers, FL
Similar to national avg
H
Cape Coral Hospital
★★★★☆
Cape Coral, FL
Similar to national avg
H
Gulf Coast Medical Center
★★★★☆
Fort Myers, FL
Similar to national avg
H
Hca Florida Lehigh Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Lehigh Acres, FL

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Gardner

How does Dr. Gardner's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?

Dr. Gardner has performed 138 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Florida average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gardner ranks #69 out of 509 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gardner perform?

Dr. Gardner's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (125 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gardner in Fort Myers?

Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Myers 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. Gardner 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. Gardner's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 138 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Gardner's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Gardner's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 39 procedures in 2013 to 138 in the most recent data, a 254% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 138 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Gardner perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Gardner's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (125 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Gardner affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gardner is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital, Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, Hca Florida Lehigh Hospital.

How does Dr. Gardner compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fort Myers?

Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Myers, Dr. Gardner ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fort Myers has 424 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gardner practices?

Lee Memorial Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); 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). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Fort Myers, Florida

Dr. Gardner's 138 Medicare procedures are below the Fort Myers average of 168. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Myers.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Edward Humbert 424 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. David Eichten 167 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. William Stone 156 Hip, Knee
Dr. Charles Springer 107 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. John Mehalik 96 Shoulder
Dr. Camilo Guzman 86 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Ronald Gardner, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-ronald-gardner-fort-myers.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-ronald-gardner-fort-myers.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.