Dr. April Armstrong, MD
Contact & Location
800-233-4082
Hershey, PA 17033
About Dr. Armstrong
Dr. April Armstrong is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hershey, Pennsylvania. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Armstrong performed 17 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #62 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Armstrong performs below the state average in shoulder (17 vs 28).
Dr. Armstrong'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.
Hershey is home to 7 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 data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2014 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. Armstrong's 17 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 | 20 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 17 |
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.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in Pennsylvania
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Armstrong's recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2014 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. Armstrong
How does Dr. Armstrong's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Armstrong has performed 17 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Armstrong ranks #327 out of 376 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 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. Armstrong in Hershey?
Yes. There are 7 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 17 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Armstrong's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Armstrong's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2014 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. 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 7 orthopedic surgeons in Hershey, Dr. Armstrong ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Hershey has 80 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 17 Medicare procedures are below the Hershey average of 45. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hershey.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Arun Kumar | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Davis | 67 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Mason | 66 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nikkole Haines | 44 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Updegrove | 26 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Nathan Lanham | 17 | Shoulder |
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.