Knee
Dr. Kristopher Wheeler, M.D.
Dr. Kristopher Wheeler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Demorest, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Wheeler has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #175 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Wheeler performs below average in knee (15 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Wheeler's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 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.
Dr. Wheeler is the only orthopedic surgeon in Demorest represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Wheeler's Medicare record spans 8 years from 2016 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 12 to 22 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Wheeler's 15 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. Wheeler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Demorest, GA 30535
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume has been consistent across 8 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 22 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 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. Wheeler
How does Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Wheeler has performed 15 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. Wheeler ranks #216 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wheeler perform?
Dr. Wheeler's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Wheeler's practice located?
Dr. Wheeler practices in Demorest, Georgia. The office is located at 247 Adams Drive, Demorest, GA 30535. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Wheeler for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wheeler 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. Wheeler's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 8 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 22 procedures per year between 2016 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wheeler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wheeler is affiliated with Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham, Northside Hospital, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wheeler practices?
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Northside Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc (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.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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