Dr. Joseph Burns, M.D.
Contact & Location
470-267-0410
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Dr. Burns performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 11% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #47 of 53 ranked shoulder surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Burns
Practice. Dr. Joseph Burns is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alpharetta, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 13 shoulder replacements. That is #47 in Georgia for shoulder replacement. Dr. Burns also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 5 years. Volume has held between 11 and 18 procedures a year.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 13 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Alpharetta has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 18 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Burns Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Burns's procedure volume has been consistent across 5 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 18 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Burns
How does Dr. Burns's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Burns has performed 13 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. Burns ranks #227 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Burns perform?
Dr. Burns's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Burns in Alpharetta?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Alpharetta 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. Burns 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Burns's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 40 procedures against the 13 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. Burns's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Burns's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 5 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 18 procedures per year between 2015 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Burns affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Burns is affiliated with Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, Wellstar Cobb Medical Center.
How does Dr. Burns compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Alpharetta?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Alpharetta, Dr. Burns ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Alpharetta has 173 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Burns practices?
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Wellstar Cobb Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Alpharetta, Georgia
Dr. Burns's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Alpharetta average of 58. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Alpharetta.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Kress | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jon Minter | 30 | Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Potts | 14 | Shoulder |
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.