Shoulder
Dr. Dennis Phillips, MD
Dr. Dennis Phillips is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Phillips has performed 16 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #59 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Phillips performs below average in shoulder (16 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Phillips's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 16 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.
Pittsburgh is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pittsburgh area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Phillips's Medicare record spans 6 years from 2017 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 11 to 24 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Phillips's 16 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. Phillips Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Phillips's procedure volume has been consistent across 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 24 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. Phillips
How does Dr. Phillips's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Phillips has performed 16 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. Phillips ranks #329 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Phillips perform?
Dr. Phillips's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Phillips in Pittsburgh?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh 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. Phillips 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. Phillips's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 16 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Phillips's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Phillips's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 24 procedures per year between 2017 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Phillips affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Phillips is affiliated with Allegheny General Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Canonsburg General Hospital.
How does Dr. Phillips compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh, Dr. Phillips ranks #35 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pittsburgh has 196 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Phillips practices?
Allegheny General Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Jefferson Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Canonsburg General Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Phillips's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Pittsburgh average of 101. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pittsburgh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryce Braaksma | 196 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Omalley | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Pagnotto | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julius Huebner | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Wilkie | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Klatt | 71 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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