Dr. Kristopher Wheeler, M.D.
Contact & Location
706-839-4096
Demorest, GA 30535
Atlanta, GA 30327
Dr. Wheeler performs more knee replacement procedures than 43% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #114 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Wheeler
Practice. Dr. Kristopher Wheeler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Demorest, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 26 knee replacements. That is #114 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 9 years. Volume rose from 16 procedures a year to 26, up 63%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 26 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 26 |
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. 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. Wheeler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wheeler's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 63% from 16 procedures in 2016 to 26 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.
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 26 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 #157 out of 245 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 26 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 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, which puts Dr. Wheeler's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 26 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. Wheeler's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wheeler's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2016 to 26 in the most recent data, a 63% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 26 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wheeler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wheeler is affiliated with Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc, Northside Hospital.
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); Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northside Hospital (3 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 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.