Dr. Derek Whitaker, M.D.
Dr. Derek Whitaker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Augusta, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Whitaker has performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#140 in Georgia) and 18 hip replacements, for a combined total of 37 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Whitaker performs below average in knee (19 vs 40 avg), below average in hip (18 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Whitaker's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (19 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
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.
Medicare records for Dr. Whitaker extend back to 2021, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 37 in the most recent data, a 147% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Whitaker's 19 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. Whitaker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Augusta, GA 30912
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whitaker's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 147% from 15 procedures in 2021 to 37 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Whitaker
How does Dr. Whitaker's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Whitaker has performed 37 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. Whitaker ranks #126 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whitaker perform?
Dr. Whitaker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whitaker 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. Whitaker 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. Whitaker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 37 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Whitaker's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whitaker's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2021 to 37 in the most recent data, a 147% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 37 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Whitaker perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Whitaker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Whitaker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whitaker is affiliated with Wellstar Mcg Health, Affiliated With Med Col.
How does Dr. Whitaker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Augusta?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Augusta, Dr. Whitaker ranks #10 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. Whitaker practices?
Wellstar Mcg Health, Affiliated With Med Col (1 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 Augusta, Georgia
Dr. Whitaker's 37 Medicare procedures are below the Augusta average of 109. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Augusta.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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