Dr. Zachary Wells, DO
Contact & Location
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Dr. Zachary Wells is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Palm Harbor, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2018, Dr. Wells has performed 50 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#133 in Florida) and 39 hip replacements, for a combined total of 89 procedures.
In Florida, Dr. Wells performs near average in knee (50 vs 48 avg), near average in hip (39 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Wells's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (50 cases) and hip replacements (39 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Wells holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Palm Harbor is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Palm Harbor area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Wells first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wells's 50 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. Wells Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wells has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
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.
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. Wells
How does Dr. Wells's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Wells has performed 89 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Florida average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wells ranks #145 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wells perform?
Dr. Wells's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (50 cases) and hip replacement (39 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wells in Palm Harbor?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Palm Harbor 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. Wells 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. Wells's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 89 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Wells perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wells's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (50 cases), hip replacement (39 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wells affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wells is affiliated with Mease Dunedin Hospital.
How does Dr. Wells compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Palm Harbor?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Palm Harbor, Dr. Wells ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Wells has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wells practices?
Mease Dunedin 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 Palm Harbor, Florida
Dr. Wells's 89 Medicare procedures are above the Palm Harbor average of 40. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Palm Harbor.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher James | 58 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sang Choi | 30 | Knee |
| Dr. Scott Brotherton | 27 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Mirabello | 22 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Mark Torke | 11 | 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.