Dr. Jacob Stirton, M.D.
Contact & Location
706-439-6858
Blairsville, GA 30512
About Dr. Stirton
Dr. Jacob Stirton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Blairsville, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Stirton completed 53 knee replacements (#40 in Georgia), 49 shoulder replacements, and 23 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 125 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Stirton performs above the state average in knee (53 vs 40), well above the state average in shoulder (49 vs 24), below the state average in hip (23 vs 33).
Dr. Stirton performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (53 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (49) and hip replacements (23).
Blairsville is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Blairsville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Stirton also maintains hospital privileges in GA and NC, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Medicare records for Dr. Stirton extend back to 2021, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 57 to 125 in the most recent data, a 119% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Stirton's 53 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Stirton Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stirton's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 119% from 57 procedures in 2021 to 125 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Stirton
How does Dr. Stirton's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Stirton has performed 125 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stirton ranks #20 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stirton perform?
Dr. Stirton performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (53 cases), shoulder replacement (49 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stirton in Blairsville?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Blairsville 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. Stirton 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. Stirton's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 125 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Stirton's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stirton's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 57 procedures in 2021 to 125 in the most recent data, a 119% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 125 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Stirton perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stirton's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (53 cases), shoulder replacement (49 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Stirton among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stirton affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stirton is affiliated with Union General Hospital, Chatuge Regional Hospital, Erlanger Murphy Medical Center. Dr. Stirton maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Stirton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Blairsville?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Blairsville, Dr. Stirton ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Stirton has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stirton practices?
Union General Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Erlanger Murphy Medical Center (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 Blairsville, Georgia
Dr. Stirton's 125 Medicare procedures are above the Blairsville average of 59. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Blairsville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ronald MacBeth | 31 | Knee |
| Dr. Hamidreza Doroodchi | 21 | 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.