Dr. Edwin Spencer, M.D.
Contact & Location
865-216-6860
Knoxville, TN 37922
Dr. Spencer performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 68% of orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #18 of 58 ranked shoulder surgeons in Tennessee.
About Dr. Spencer
Practice. Dr. Edwin Spencer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee. The latest annual CMS data records 39 shoulder replacements. That is #18 in Tennessee for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 82 in 2018 and stands at 39 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 39 procedures is above the national average of 29.
Local context. Knoxville has 32 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 53 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 54 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 82 |
| 2019 | 81 |
| 2020 | 45 |
| 2021 | 68 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2023 | 56 |
| 2024 | 39 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Spencer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Spencer's recorded volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2018 and stood at 39 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Spencer
How does Dr. Spencer's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Spencer has performed 39 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Tennessee average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Spencer ranks #129 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Spencer perform?
Dr. Spencer's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 39 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Spencer with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Spencer ranks #18 in Tennessee for shoulder replacement with 39 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 219 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Spencer in Knoxville?
Yes. There are 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville 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 Tennessee surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Spencer 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Spencer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 110 to 130 procedures against the 39 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. Spencer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Spencer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 82 procedures in 2018 and was 39 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.
How does Dr. Spencer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville?
Among the 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville, Dr. Spencer ranks #23 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Knoxville has 386 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Knoxville, Tennessee
Dr. Spencer's 39 Medicare procedures are below the Knoxville average of 175. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Knoxville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Herman Botero | 386 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Conrad Ivie | 183 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Nadaud | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Sherrell | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harold Cates | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Dilworth | 141 | 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.