Dr. Garland Gudger, M.D.
Contact & Location
Columbus, GA 31909
Dr. Garland Gudger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Gudger has performed 112 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#10 in Georgia) and 25 hip replacements, for a combined total of 137 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Gudger performs well above average in knee (112 vs 40 avg), below average in hip (25 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Gudger's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 82% of reported Medicare volume.
Columbus is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbus area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Gudger also maintains hospital privileges in AL and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Medicare records for Dr. Gudger extend back to 2017, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 35 to 137 in the most recent data, a 291% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gudger's 112 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Gudger Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gudger's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 291% from 35 procedures in 2017 to 137 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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Gudger
How does Dr. Gudger's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Gudger has performed 137 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gudger ranks #16 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gudger perform?
Dr. Gudger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (112 cases) and hip replacement (25 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Gudger with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Gudger ranks #10 in Georgia for knee replacement with 112 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 245 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gudger in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Gudger 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. Gudger's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 137 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Gudger's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gudger's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 35 procedures in 2017 to 137 in the most recent data, a 291% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 151 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Gudger perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gudger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (112 cases), hip replacement (25 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gudger affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gudger is affiliated with Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside. Dr. Gudger maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Gudger compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Gudger ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Gudger has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gudger practices?
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside (5 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 Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Gudger's 137 Medicare procedures are above the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Randall Ruark | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Fernicola | 95 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Waldrop | 42 | 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.