Dr. Robert Keller, MD
Contact & Location
828-624-1630
Hickory, NC 28602
About Dr. Keller
Dr. Robert Keller is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hickory, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Keller performed 20 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #46 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Keller performs below the state average in shoulder (20 vs 26).
Dr. Keller's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 20 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.
Hickory is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hickory area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Keller's Medicare record spans 6 years from 2019 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 13 to 22 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Keller's 20 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)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 20 |
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. Keller Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in North Carolina
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Keller's procedure volume has been consistent across 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 22 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:
Evidence-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.
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. Keller
How does Dr. Keller's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Keller has performed 20 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Keller ranks #229 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Keller perform?
Dr. Keller's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Keller in Hickory?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hickory 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Keller 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. Keller's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Keller's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Keller's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 22 procedures per year between 2019 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Keller affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Keller is affiliated with Catawba Valley Medical Center, Frye Regional Medical Center, Watauga Medical Center.
How does Dr. Keller compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hickory?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hickory, Dr. Keller ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Hickory has 203 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Keller practices?
Catawba Valley Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Frye Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Watauga Medical Center (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 Hickory, North Carolina
Dr. Keller's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Hickory average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hickory.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason Norcross | 203 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Phillip Bostian | 175 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Krenzel | 150 | 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.