Shoulder
Dr. Brian Abell, D.O.
Dr. Brian Abell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Augusta, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Abell has performed 46 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #6 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Abell performs above average in shoulder (46 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Abell's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 46 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.
Augusta is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Augusta area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Abell also maintains hospital privileges in GA and SC, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Medicare records for Dr. Abell extend back to 2018, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 38 to 46 in the most recent data, a 21% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Abell's 46 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.
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. Abell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Augusta, GA 30901
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Abell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 21% from 38 procedures in 2018 to 46 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 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Abell
How does Dr. Abell's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Abell has performed 46 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Abell ranks #102 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Abell perform?
Dr. Abell's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 46 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Abell with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Abell ranks #6 in Georgia for shoulder replacement with 46 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 255 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Abell in Augusta?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Augusta 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. Abell 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. Abell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 46 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Abell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Abell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 38 procedures in 2018 to 46 in the most recent data, a 21% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 46 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Abell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Abell is affiliated with Burke Medical Center, Piedmont Augusta Hospital, Self Regional Healthcare. Dr. Abell maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Abell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Augusta?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Augusta, Dr. Abell ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Augusta has 204 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Abell practices?
Burke Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Piedmont Augusta Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Self Regional Healthcare (3 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 Augusta, Georgia
Dr. Abell's 46 Medicare procedures are below the Augusta average of 111. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Augusta.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Terry Arrington | 204 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Meredith | 191 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Franklin | 98 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Douglas Phillips | 84 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Larry Carter | 82 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Raley | 70 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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