Shoulder
Dr. George Sutherland, MD
Dr. George Sutherland is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Savannah, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Sutherland has performed 25 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #20 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Sutherland performs near average in shoulder (25 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Sutherland's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 25 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. Sutherland also maintains hospital privileges in SC and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Dr. Sutherland's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2019 before settling at 25 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sutherland's 25 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Sutherland Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Savannah, GA 31405
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sutherland's recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2019 and stood at 25 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Sutherland
How does Dr. Sutherland's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Sutherland has performed 25 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. Sutherland ranks #166 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sutherland perform?
Dr. Sutherland's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 25 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Sutherland with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Sutherland ranks #20 in Georgia for shoulder replacement with 25 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 255 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sutherland 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. Sutherland 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. Sutherland's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sutherland's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sutherland's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2019 and was 25 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. Sutherland affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sutherland is affiliated with South Carolina Coastal Medical Center Llc, Hilton Head Regional Medical Center, Candler Hospital, Beaufort County Memorial Hospital. Dr. Sutherland maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Sutherland compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Savannah?
Among the 20 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah, Dr. Sutherland ranks #18 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. Sutherland practices?
South Carolina Coastal Medical Center Llc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Hilton Head Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Candler Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Savannah, Georgia
Dr. Sutherland's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Savannah average of 126. 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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