Knee
Dr. Spencer Wheeler, MD
Dr. Spencer Wheeler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Savannah, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Wheeler has performed 17 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #159 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Wheeler performs below average in knee (17 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Wheeler's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 17 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Wheeler holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Savannah is home to 20 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Savannah area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Wheeler's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 14 to 27 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Wheeler's 17 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
Savannah, GA 31405
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 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 17 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 #200 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 17 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 20 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 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 17 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wheeler's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 14 to 27 procedures per year between 2013 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 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 20 orthopedic surgeons in Savannah, Dr. Wheeler ranks #19 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Savannah has 255 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 17 Medicare procedures are below the Savannah average of 125. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Savannah.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Hope | 255 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kent Woo | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrew Jackson | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Christy | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Hoffman | 90 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Chetan Deshpande | 76 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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