Shoulder
Dr. Walter Stanwood, MD
Dr. Walter Stanwood is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Plymouth, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Stanwood has performed 42 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #11 in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Stanwood performs above average in shoulder (42 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Stanwood's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 42 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. Stanwood holds additional credentials in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Plymouth is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Plymouth area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Stanwood extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 27 to 42 in the most recent data, a 56% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Stanwood's 42 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.
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. Stanwood Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Contact & Location
Plymouth, MA 02360
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stanwood's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 56% from 27 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data.
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.
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.
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. Stanwood
How does Dr. Stanwood's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Stanwood has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Massachusetts average is 74 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Stanwood ranks #118 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stanwood perform?
Dr. Stanwood's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 42 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Stanwood with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Stanwood ranks #11 in Massachusetts for shoulder replacement with 42 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 202 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stanwood in Plymouth?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Plymouth 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 Massachusetts surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Stanwood 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. Stanwood's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Stanwood's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stanwood's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 27 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data, a 56% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 48 procedures in 2020.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stanwood affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stanwood is affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth.
How does Dr. Stanwood compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Plymouth?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Plymouth, Dr. Stanwood ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Plymouth has 168 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stanwood practices?
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth (4 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 Plymouth, Massachusetts
Dr. Stanwood's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Plymouth average of 111. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Plymouth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. R. Scott Oliver | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Marcelo Siqueira | 162 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Frank Zabilski | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Rightmire | 40 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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