Dr. Robert Reams, M.D.
Contact & Location
573-882-2663
Columbia, MO 65212
Dr. Reams performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 53% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #26 of 56 ranked shoulder surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Reams
Practice. Dr. Robert Reams is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 23 shoulder replacements. That is #26 in Missouri for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2013.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume peaked at 39 in 2023 and stands at 23 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Columbia 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 23 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Reams Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Reams's recorded volume peaked at 39 procedures in 2023 and stood at 23 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Reams
How does Dr. Reams's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Reams has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Reams ranks #156 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Reams perform?
Dr. Reams's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Reams in Columbia?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Reams 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Reams's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 80 procedures against the 23 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. Reams's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Reams's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 39 procedures in 2023 and was 23 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Reams affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Reams is affiliated with Saint Lukes North Hospital, St Lukes Hospital Of Kansas City, Liberty Hospital, Hedrick Medical Center, Saint Luke'S East Hospital.
How does Dr. Reams compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Reams ranks #15 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbia has 209 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Reams practices?
Saint Lukes North Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Lukes Hospital Of Kansas City (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Liberty Hospital (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 Columbia, Missouri
Dr. Reams's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Columbia average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Samuel Thompson | 209 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alexander Wendling | 140 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alan Anz | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kurt Bormann | 137 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Aleto | 125 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Keeney | 77 | Hip, Knee |
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.