Dr. Christopher Gaunder, M.D
Contact & Location
Athens, GA 30606
Dr. Christopher Gaunder is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Athens, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Gaunder has performed 44 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#25 in Georgia) and 42 knee replacements, for a combined total of 86 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Gaunder performs above average in hip (44 vs 33 avg), near average in knee (42 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Gaunder's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (44 cases) and knee replacements (42 cases).
Athens is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Athens area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Gaunder extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 43 to 86 in the most recent data, a 100% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gaunder's 44 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Gaunder Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gaunder's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 100% from 43 procedures in 2022 to 86 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 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Gaunder
How does Dr. Gaunder's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Gaunder has performed 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gaunder ranks #43 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gaunder perform?
Dr. Gaunder's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (44 cases) and knee replacement (42 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gaunder in Athens?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Athens 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. Gaunder 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. Gaunder's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 86 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Gaunder's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gaunder's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 43 procedures in 2022 to 86 in the most recent data, a 100% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 86 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Gaunder perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gaunder's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (44 cases), knee replacement (42 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gaunder affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gaunder is affiliated with Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, Piedmont Walton Hospital, Inc.
How does Dr. Gaunder compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Athens?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Athens, Dr. Gaunder ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Gaunder is among the highest-volume surgeons in Athens.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gaunder practices?
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Piedmont Walton Hospital, Inc (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Athens, Georgia
Dr. Gaunder's 86 Medicare procedures are above the Athens average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Athens.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ormonde Mahoney | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Dorris | 95 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Ryan | 67 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mason Florence | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Johnson | 31 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Hancock | 30 | Shoulder |
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.