Dr. Wame Waggenspack, M.D.
Contact & Location
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Dr. Wame Waggenspack is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Waggenspack has performed 16 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #15 in Louisiana.
In Louisiana, Dr. Waggenspack performs below average in shoulder (16 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Waggenspack's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 16 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. Waggenspack holds additional credentials in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Baton Rouge is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Baton Rouge area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Waggenspack's Medicare record spans 7 years from 2018 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 15 to 25 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Waggenspack's 16 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Waggenspack Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Waggenspack's procedure volume has been consistent across 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 25 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Waggenspack
How does Dr. Waggenspack's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Waggenspack has performed 16 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Louisiana average is 54 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Waggenspack ranks #87 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Waggenspack perform?
Dr. Waggenspack's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Waggenspack with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Waggenspack ranks #15 in Louisiana for shoulder replacement with 16 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 104 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Waggenspack in Baton Rouge?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge 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 Louisiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Waggenspack 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. Waggenspack's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 16 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Waggenspack's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Waggenspack's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 25 procedures per year between 2018 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Waggenspack affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Waggenspack is affiliated with Texas Orthopedic Hospital. Dr. Waggenspack maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Waggenspack compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge, Dr. Waggenspack ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Baton Rouge has 138 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Waggenspack practices?
Texas Orthopedic Hospital (hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Waggenspack's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Baton Rouge average of 66. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Baton Rouge.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Easton | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Greene | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Albert Bankston | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Broyles | 59 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jared Braud | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nickos Hatzis | 44 | 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.