Dr. Benjamin Puckett, M.D.
Contact & Location
Gainesville, GA 30501
Dr. Benjamin Puckett is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gainesville, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Puckett has performed 14 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #42 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Puckett performs below average in shoulder (14 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Puckett's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 14 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Gainesville is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Gainesville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Puckett's Medicare data spans 4 years, beginning in 2020. Volume peaked at 24 procedures in 2023 before settling at 14 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Puckett's 14 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Puckett Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Puckett's recorded volume peaked at 24 procedures in 2023 and stood at 14 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Puckett
How does Dr. Puckett's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Puckett has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Georgia average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Puckett ranks #217 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Puckett perform?
Dr. Puckett's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Puckett in Gainesville?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Gainesville 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Puckett 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. Puckett's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 14 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Puckett's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Puckett's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 24 procedures in 2023 and was 14 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Puckett affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Puckett is affiliated with Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc.
How does Dr. Puckett compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Gainesville?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Gainesville, Dr. Puckett ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Gainesville has 110 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Puckett practices?
Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc (2 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 Gainesville, Georgia
Dr. Puckett's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Gainesville average of 62. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gainesville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Vachtsevanos | 110 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Shan Sharif | 103 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Gottsman | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Wood | 58 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Davis | 45 | Knee |
| Dr. Barry Munn | 30 | 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.