Dr. Paul Whatley, M.D.
Contact & Location
817-878-5300
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Dr. Whatley performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 76% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #33 of 140 ranked shoulder surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Whatley
Practice. Dr. Paul Whatley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Worth, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 33 shoulder replacements. That is #33 in Texas for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 6 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 33, up 175%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 33 procedures is near the national average of 29.
Local context. Fort Worth has 24 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 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 33 |
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. Whatley Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whatley's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 175% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 33 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.
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.
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. Whatley
How does Dr. Whatley's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Whatley has performed 33 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Whatley ranks #346 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whatley perform?
Dr. Whatley's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 33 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whatley in Fort Worth?
Yes. There are 24 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Worth 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Whatley 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. Whatley's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 33 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. Whatley's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whatley's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2016 to 33 in the most recent data, a 175% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 37 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Whatley affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whatley is affiliated with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, Methodist Hospital For Surgery.
How does Dr. Whatley compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fort Worth?
Among the 24 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Worth, Dr. Whatley ranks #16 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fort Worth has 168 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Whatley practices?
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Methodist Hospital For Surgery (4 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 Fort Worth, Texas
Dr. Whatley's 33 Medicare procedures are below the Fort Worth average of 128. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Worth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ajai Cadambi | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Theodore Crofford | 154 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey McGowen | 148 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Ogden | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Schmidt | 129 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Haile | 123 | 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.