Knee
Dr. David Palmer, MD
Dr. David Palmer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Savannah, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Palmer has performed 14 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #185 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Palmer performs below average in knee (14 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Palmer's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 14 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.
Savannah is home to 20 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Savannah area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Palmer's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2013 before settling at 14 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Palmer's 14 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. Palmer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Savannah, GA 31405
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Palmer's recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2013 and stood at 14 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Palmer
How does Dr. Palmer's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Palmer has performed 14 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. Palmer ranks #227 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Palmer perform?
Dr. Palmer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Palmer in Savannah?
Yes. There are 20 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah 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. Palmer 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. Palmer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 14 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Palmer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Palmer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2013 and was 14 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. Palmer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Palmer is affiliated with St Joseph'S Hospital - Savannah, Optim Medical Center - Tattnall, Effingham Health System.
How does Dr. Palmer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Savannah?
Among the 20 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah, Dr. Palmer ranks #20 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Savannah has 255 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Palmer practices?
St Joseph'S Hospital - Savannah (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Optim Medical Center - Tattnall (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 Savannah, Georgia
Dr. Palmer's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Savannah average of 124. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Savannah.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Hope | 255 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kent Woo | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Jackson | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Christy | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Hoffman | 90 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Chetan Deshpande | 76 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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