Shoulder
Dr. April Armstrong, MD
Dr. April Armstrong is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Dr. Armstrong has performed 21 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #48 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Armstrong performs below average in shoulder (21 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Armstrong's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 21 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.
Hershey is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hershey area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Armstrong's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 18 to 34 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Armstrong's 21 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. Armstrong Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Hershey, PA 17033
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Armstrong's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 18 to 34 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. Armstrong
How does Dr. Armstrong's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Armstrong has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Armstrong ranks #301 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Armstrong perform?
Dr. Armstrong's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Armstrong in Hershey?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Hershey 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Armstrong 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. Armstrong's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 21 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Armstrong's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Armstrong's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 18 to 34 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Armstrong affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Armstrong is affiliated with Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center.
How does Dr. Armstrong compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hershey?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Hershey, Dr. Armstrong ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Hershey has 75 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Armstrong practices?
Milton S Hershey Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center (2 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 Hershey, Pennsylvania
Dr. Armstrong's 21 Medicare procedures are below the Hershey average of 55. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hershey.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Davis | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Mason | 70 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Arun Kumar | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nikkole Haines | 54 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Updegrove | 39 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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