Dr. Darrell Scales, M.D.
Contact & Location
770-848-6190
Braselton, GA 30517
Hoschton, GA 30548
Dr. Scales performs more knee replacement procedures than 79% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #41 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Scales
Practice. Dr. Darrell Scales is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Braselton, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 53 knee replacements and 31 hip replacements, 84 procedures in all. That is #41 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 18 procedures a year to 84, up 367%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 53 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Braselton has 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 18 |
| 2016 | 20 | 24 |
| 2017 | 24 | 23 |
| 2018 | 26 | 46 |
| 2019 | 39 | 72 |
| 2020 | 19 | 48 |
| 2021 | 27 | 43 |
| 2022 | 46 | 61 |
| 2023 | 40 | 68 |
| 2024 | 31 | 53 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Scales Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Scales's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 367% from 18 procedures in 2015 to 84 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 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Scales
How does Dr. Scales's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Scales has performed 84 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Scales ranks #45 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Scales perform?
Dr. Scales's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (53 cases) and hip replacement (31 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Scales in Braselton?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Braselton 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. Scales represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Scales's total volume across all insurers at roughly 280 to 350 procedures against the 84 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Scales's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Scales's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2015 to 84 in the most recent data, a 367% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 111 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Scales perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Scales's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (53 cases), hip replacement (31 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Scales affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Scales is affiliated with Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc.
How does Dr. Scales compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Braselton?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Braselton, Dr. Scales ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Scales has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Scales 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 Braselton, Georgia
Dr. Scales's 84 Medicare procedures are above the Braselton average of 43. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Braselton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Gregory Woods | 22 | Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Linberg | 22 | 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.