Dr. William Cottrell, MD
Contact & Location
Clearwater, FL 33756
Dr. William Cottrell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Clearwater, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Cottrell has performed 36 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#183 in Florida) and 16 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 52 procedures.
In Florida, Dr. Cottrell performs below average in knee (36 vs 48 avg), below average in shoulder (16 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Cottrell's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (36 cases) and shoulder replacements (16 cases).
Clearwater is home to 12 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. Cottrell extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 52 in the most recent data, a 333% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Cottrell's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Cottrell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cottrell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 333% from 12 procedures in 2013 to 52 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Cottrell
How does Dr. Cottrell's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Cottrell has performed 52 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. Cottrell ranks #244 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cottrell perform?
Dr. Cottrell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases) and shoulder replacement (16 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cottrell in Clearwater?
Yes. There are 12 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. Cottrell 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. Cottrell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 52 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Cottrell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Cottrell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2013 to 52 in the most recent data, a 333% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 52 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Cottrell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Cottrell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cottrell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cottrell is affiliated with Morton Plant Hospital.
How does Dr. Cottrell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Clearwater, Dr. Cottrell ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Clearwater has 166 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cottrell practices?
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. Cottrell's 52 Medicare procedures are below the Clearwater average of 131. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Clearwater.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Kilgore | 166 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Whiddon | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Cooper | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Cheong | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Aaron Koslin | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mitchell Herrema | 110 | Hip, 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.