Dr. Spencer Wheeler, M.D.
Contact & Location
912-355-6615
Savannah, GA 31405
Pooler, GA 31322
Dr. Wheeler performs more knee replacement procedures than 30% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #142 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Wheeler
Practice. Dr. Spencer Wheeler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Savannah, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 19 knee replacements. That is #142 in Georgia for knee replacement. Dr. Wheeler also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 14 and 27 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 19 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Savannah has 18 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 19 |
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 procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 14 to 27 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.
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. Wheeler
How does Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Wheeler has performed 19 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 #180 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 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wheeler in Savannah?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah 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. 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 70 to 80 procedures against the 19 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?
Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 14 to 27 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. 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 St Joseph'S Hospital - Savannah, Effingham Health System, Memorial Health University Medical Center.
How does Dr. Wheeler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Savannah?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah, Dr. Wheeler ranks #15 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Savannah has 234 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wheeler practices?
St Joseph'S Hospital - Savannah (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Memorial Health University 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 Savannah, Georgia
Dr. Wheeler's 19 Medicare procedures are below the Savannah average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Savannah.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Hope | 234 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Wolverton | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kent Woo | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Christy | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chetan Deshpande | 78 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Hoffman | 73 | 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.