Dr. Gary Windler, MD
Contact & Location
843-569-3367
N Charleston, SC 29406
Dr. Windler performs more knee replacement procedures than 60% of orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #47 of 120 ranked knee surgeons in South Carolina.
About Dr. Windler
Dr. Gary Windler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in N Charleston, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Windler performed 56 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#47 in South Carolina) and 34 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 90 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Windler performs near the state average in knee (56 vs 58), below the state average in hip (34 vs 45).
Dr. Windler's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (56 cases) and hip replacements (34 cases).
N Charleston is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the N Charleston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Windler's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 138 procedures in 2022 before settling at 90 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Windler's 56 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 76 | 13 |
| 2014 | 22 | 68 | 18 |
| 2015 | 29 | 55 | 0 |
| 2016 | 15 | 52 | 0 |
| 2017 | 27 | 46 | 0 |
| 2018 | 31 | 49 | 0 |
| 2019 | 49 | 61 | 0 |
| 2020 | 43 | 81 | 0 |
| 2021 | 42 | 92 | 0 |
| 2022 | 57 | 81 | 0 |
| 2023 | 48 | 82 | 0 |
| 2024 | 34 | 56 | 0 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Windler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Windler's recorded volume peaked at 138 procedures in 2022 and stood at 90 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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Windler
How does Dr. Windler's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Windler has performed 90 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Windler ranks #50 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Windler perform?
Dr. Windler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (56 cases) and hip replacement (34 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Windler in N Charleston?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in N Charleston 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. Windler represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Windler's total volume across all insurers at roughly 300 to 380 procedures against the 90 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Windler's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Windler's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 138 procedures in 2022 and was 90 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.
Does Dr. Windler perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Windler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (56 cases), hip replacement (34 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Windler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Windler is affiliated with Trident Medical Center.
How does Dr. Windler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in N Charleston?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in N Charleston, Dr. Windler ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Windler has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Windler practices?
Trident Medical Center (3 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 N Charleston, South Carolina
Dr. Windler's 90 Medicare procedures are above the N Charleston average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in N Charleston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Dalton | 70 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Seth Kupferman | 44 | Hip, 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.