Shoulder
Dr. Zachary Skipper, MD
Dr. Zachary Skipper is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Braselton, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Skipper has performed 17 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #34 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Skipper performs below average in shoulder (17 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Skipper's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder 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.
Braselton is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Braselton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Skipper first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Skipper's 17 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 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. Skipper Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Braselton, GA 30517
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Skipper
How does Dr. Skipper's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Skipper 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. Skipper ranks #202 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Skipper perform?
Dr. Skipper's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder 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. Skipper in Braselton?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Braselton 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. Skipper 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. Skipper's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 17 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Skipper affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Skipper is affiliated with Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc.
How does Dr. Skipper compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Braselton?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Braselton, Dr. Skipper ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Skipper is among the highest-volume surgeons in Braselton.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Skipper practices?
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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Braselton, Georgia
Dr. Skipper's 17 Medicare procedures are below the Braselton average of 48. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Braselton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darrell Scales | 108 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Woods | 19 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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