Dr. Gary Updegrove, MD
Contact & Location
717-531-5638
Hershey, PA 17033
About Dr. Updegrove
Dr. Gary Updegrove is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hershey, Pennsylvania. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Updegrove performed 26 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #36 in Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Updegrove performs near the state average in shoulder (26 vs 28).
Dr. Updegrove's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 26 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Updegrove extend back to 2019, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 26 in the most recent data, a 117% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Updegrove's 26 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2024 | 26 |
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. Updegrove Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in Pennsylvania
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Updegrove's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 117% from 12 procedures in 2019 to 26 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Updegrove
How does Dr. Updegrove's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Updegrove has performed 26 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. Updegrove ranks #279 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Updegrove perform?
Dr. Updegrove's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 26 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Updegrove 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. Updegrove 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. Updegrove's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 26 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Updegrove's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Updegrove's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2019 to 26 in the most recent data, a 117% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 39 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Updegrove affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Updegrove is affiliated with Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center.
How does Dr. Updegrove compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hershey?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Hershey, Dr. Updegrove ranks #5 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. Updegrove practices?
Milton S Hershey Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); 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. Updegrove's 26 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. April Armstrong | 17 | 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.