Dr. Darrell Scales, MD
Contact & Location
Braselton, GA 30517
Dr. Darrell Scales is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Braselton, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Scales has performed 53 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#41 in Georgia) and 31 hip replacements, for a combined total of 84 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Scales performs above average in knee (53 vs 40 avg), near average in hip (31 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Scales's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (53 cases) and hip replacements (31 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Scales holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Braselton is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Braselton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Scales extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 18 to 84 in the most recent data, a 367% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Scales's 53 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. 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 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. Scales's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 84 procedures shown here.
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.