Dr. Chad Zehms, MD
Dr. Chad Zehms is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Savannah, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Zehms has performed 23 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#78 in Georgia) and 18 knee replacements, for a combined total of 41 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Zehms performs below average in hip (23 vs 33 avg), below average in knee (18 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Zehms's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (23 cases) and knee replacements (18 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Zehms holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Savannah is home to 20 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Savannah area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Zehms's Medicare data spans 5 years, beginning in 2019. Volume peaked at 62 procedures in 2022 before settling at 41 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Zehms's 23 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Zehms Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Savannah, GA 31405
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Zehms's recorded volume peaked at 62 procedures in 2022 and stood at 41 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
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.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Zehms
How does Dr. Zehms's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Zehms has performed 41 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. Zehms ranks #114 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Zehms perform?
Dr. Zehms's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (23 cases) and knee replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Zehms in Savannah?
Yes. There are 20 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah 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. Zehms 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. Zehms's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Zehms's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Zehms's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 62 procedures in 2022 and was 41 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.
Does Dr. Zehms perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Zehms's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (23 cases), knee replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Zehms affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Zehms is affiliated with Aurora Baycare Medical Ctr. Dr. Zehms maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Zehms compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Savannah?
Among the 20 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah, Dr. Zehms ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Savannah has 255 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Zehms practices?
Aurora Baycare Medical Ctr (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 Savannah, Georgia
Dr. Zehms's 41 Medicare procedures are below the Savannah average of 128. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Savannah.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Hope | 255 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kent Woo | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Jackson | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Christy | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Hoffman | 90 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Chetan Deshpande | 76 | Hip, Knee |
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