Dr. Alex Collins, DO
Contact & Location
Aiken, SC 29803
Dr. Alex Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Aiken, South Carolina. Dr. Collins has performed 13 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #47 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Collins performs below average in shoulder (13 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Collins's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 13 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.
Aiken is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Aiken area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Collins also maintains hospital privileges in GA and SC, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond South Carolina.
Dr. Collins's Medicare data spans 8 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2015 before settling at 13 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Collins's 13 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)
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. Collins Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Collins's recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2015 and stood at 13 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:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Collins
How does Dr. Collins's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Collins has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 76 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Collins ranks #147 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Collins perform?
Dr. Collins's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Collins in Aiken?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Aiken 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 South Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Collins 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. Collins's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Collins's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Collins's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2015 and was 13 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. Collins affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Collins is affiliated with Piedmont Augusta Hospital, Piedmont Mcduffie Hospital, Aiken Regional Medical Center. Dr. Collins maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Collins compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Aiken?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Aiken, Dr. Collins ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Aiken has 73 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Collins practices?
Piedmont Augusta Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Mcduffie Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Aiken Regional Medical Center (1 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 Aiken, South Carolina
Dr. Collins's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Aiken average of 37. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Aiken.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Edward Crosland | 73 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Massie | 42 | Knee |
| Dr. Evan Ekman | 18 | 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.