Dr. Matthew Link, M.D.
Contact & Location
706-722-3401
Augusta, GA 30901
Dr. Link performs more knee replacement procedures than 4% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #194 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Link
Practice. Dr. Matthew Link is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Augusta, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 12 knee replacements. That is #194 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 3 years. Volume has held between 11 and 14 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 12 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Augusta has 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Link also holds hospital privileges in GA and SC, a practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 12 |
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. Link Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Link's procedure volume has been consistent across 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 14 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Link
How does Dr. Link's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Link has performed 12 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. Link ranks #237 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Link perform?
Dr. Link's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Link in Augusta?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Augusta 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. Link 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. Link's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 12 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. Link's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Link's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 14 procedures per year between 2014 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Link affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Link is affiliated with Piedmont Augusta Hospital, Burke Medical Center, Aiken Regional Medical Center. Dr. Link maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Link compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Augusta?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Augusta, Dr. Link ranks #14 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Augusta has 194 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Link practices?
Piedmont Augusta Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Burke Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Aiken Regional Medical Center (1 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 Augusta, Georgia
Dr. Link's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Augusta average of 101. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Augusta.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Terry Arrington | 194 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Meredith | 192 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Franklin | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Raley | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Capito | 67 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Douglas Phillips | 61 | Hip, Knee, 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.