#149 in Georgia
Knee

Dr. David Gallagher, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
18 procedures 5 hospitals Augusta, GA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 18 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. David Gallagher is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Augusta, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Gallagher has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #149 in Georgia.

In Georgia, Dr. Gallagher performs below average in knee (18 vs 40 avg).

Dr. Gallagher's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 18 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Augusta is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Augusta area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Gallagher's Medicare data spans 10 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2016 before settling at 18 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Gallagher's 18 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

Knee Replacement
18 verified cases
#149 in Georgia
Estimated total: 50 – 50 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Gallagher Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.

Knee Below Avg
18 Avg: 40
Dr. Gallagher Georgia Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 706-863-9797
3650 J Dewey Gray Cir
Augusta, GA 30909
NPI: 1730128927
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Gallagher's recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2016 and stood at 18 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 10
2023 Volume 18
Peak Volume 35 (2016)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Burke Medical Center
Waynesboro, GA
Low case volume
H
Doctors Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Augusta, GA
Similar to national avg
H
Jefferson Hospital
Louisville, GA
H
Wills Memorial Hospital
Washington, GA
H
Piedmont Augusta Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Augusta, GA
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Gallagher

How does Dr. Gallagher's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?

Dr. Gallagher has performed 18 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. Gallagher ranks #192 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gallagher perform?

Dr. Gallagher's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gallagher in Augusta?

Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Augusta 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. Gallagher 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. Gallagher's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 18 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Gallagher's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Gallagher's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2016 and was 18 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.

Which hospitals is Dr. Gallagher affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gallagher is affiliated with Burke Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Wills Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Augusta Hospital.

How does Dr. Gallagher compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Augusta?

Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Augusta, Dr. Gallagher ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Augusta has 204 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gallagher practices?

Burke Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Doctors Hospital (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 Augusta, Georgia

Dr. Gallagher's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Augusta average of 107. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Augusta.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Terry Arrington 204 Hip, Knee
Dr. Randall Meredith 191 Hip, Knee
Dr. John Franklin 98 Hip, Knee
Dr. Douglas Phillips 84 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Larry Carter 82 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. James Raley 70 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. David Gallagher, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ga/dr-david-gallagher-augusta.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ga/dr-david-gallagher-augusta.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.