Dr. William Shell, MD
Dr. William Shell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Shell has performed 102 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#17 in Tennessee) and 45 hip replacements, for a combined total of 147 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Shell performs well above average in knee (102 vs 45 avg), above average in hip (45 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Shell's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (102 cases) and hip replacements (45 cases).
Nashville is home to 35 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Nashville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Shell extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 71 to 147 in the most recent data, a 107% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Shell's 102 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Shell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Contact & Location
Nashville, TN 37205
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Shell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 107% from 71 procedures in 2013 to 147 in the most recent data.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Shell
How does Dr. Shell's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Shell has performed 147 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Tennessee average of 64 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Shell ranks #22 out of 214 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Shell perform?
Dr. Shell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (102 cases) and hip replacement (45 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Shell with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Shell ranks #17 in Tennessee for knee replacement with 102 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 214 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Shell in Nashville?
Yes. There are 35 orthopedic surgeons in Nashville 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. Shell 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. Shell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 147 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Shell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Shell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 71 procedures in 2013 to 147 in the most recent data, a 107% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 147 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Shell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Shell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (102 cases), hip replacement (45 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Shell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Nashville?
Among the 35 orthopedic surgeons in Nashville, Dr. Shell ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Nashville has 238 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Nashville, Tennessee
Dr. Shell's 147 Medicare procedures are below the Nashville average of 163. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Nashville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Deboer | 238 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Hodrick | 190 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jefferson Morrison | 165 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Gregory Raab | 151 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Philip Karpos | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Christie | 111 | Hip, Knee |
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