Dr. Christopher Gaunder, M.D
Dr. Christopher Gaunder is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Athens, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Gaunder has performed 34 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#84 in Georgia) and 26 hip replacements, for a combined total of 60 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Gaunder performs near average in knee (34 vs 40 avg), below average in hip (26 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Gaunder's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (34 cases) and hip replacements (26 cases).
Athens is home to 9 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.
Dr. Gaunder first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Gaunder's 34 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Gaunder Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Athens, GA 30606
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gaunder has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. 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.
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.
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. Gaunder
How does Dr. Gaunder's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Gaunder has performed 60 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gaunder ranks #80 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gaunder perform?
Dr. Gaunder's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases) and hip replacement (26 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gaunder in Athens?
Yes. There are 9 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 60 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Gaunder perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gaunder's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases), hip replacement (26 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 9 orthopedic surgeons in Athens, Dr. Gaunder ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Athens has 167 verified Medicare procedures.
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 60 Medicare procedures are below the Athens average of 74. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Athens.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ormonde Mahoney | 167 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Dorris | 93 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Ryan | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mason Florence | 48 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Johnson | 41 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Hancock | 31 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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