Shoulder
Dr. Robert Keller, MD
Dr. Robert Keller is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hickory, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Keller has performed 17 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #46 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Keller performs below average in shoulder (17 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Keller'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.
Hickory is home to 5 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 data spans 5 years, beginning in 2019. Volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2019 before settling at 17 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Keller'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. Keller Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Hickory, NC 28602
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Keller's recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2019 and stood at 17 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:
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 17 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Keller ranks #253 out of 294 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 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. Keller in Hickory?
Yes. There are 5 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 17 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Keller's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Keller's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2019 and was 17 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. 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 5 orthopedic surgeons in Hickory, Dr. Keller ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Hickory has 170 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 17 Medicare procedures are below the Hickory average of 101. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hickory.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason Norcross | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Krenzel | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Phillip Bostian | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Seel | 13 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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