Dr. Garland Gudger, M.D.
Contact & Location
706-324-6661
Columbus, GA 31909
Dothan, AL 36303
Lagrange, GA 30241
Dr. Gudger performs more knee replacement procedures than 95% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #10 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Gudger
Practice. Dr. Garland Gudger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 112 knee replacements and 25 hip replacements, 137 procedures in all. That is #10 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2011.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2017 to 2024, 8 years. Volume rose from 35 procedures a year to 137, up 291%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 112 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Columbus has 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Gudger also holds hospital privileges in AL and GA, a practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 35 |
| 2018 | 0 | 48 |
| 2019 | 19 | 74 |
| 2020 | 19 | 72 |
| 2021 | 24 | 104 |
| 2022 | 28 | 121 |
| 2023 | 44 | 107 |
| 2024 | 25 | 112 |
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. Gudger Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gudger's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 291% from 35 procedures in 2017 to 137 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.
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. Gudger
How does Dr. Gudger's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Gudger has performed 137 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gudger ranks #16 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gudger perform?
Dr. Gudger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (112 cases) and hip replacement (25 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Gudger with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Gudger ranks #10 in Georgia for knee replacement with 112 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 245 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gudger in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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. Gudger 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. Gudger's total volume across all insurers at roughly 480 to 590 procedures against the 137 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. Gudger's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gudger's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 35 procedures in 2017 to 137 in the most recent data, a 291% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 151 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Gudger perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gudger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (112 cases), hip replacement (25 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gudger affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gudger is affiliated with Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside, Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, Upson Regional Medical Center, Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown. Dr. Gudger maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Gudger compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Gudger ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Gudger has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gudger practices?
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center (2 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 Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Gudger's 137 Medicare procedures are above the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Randall Ruark | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Fernicola | 95 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Waldrop | 42 | Hip, 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.