Shoulder
Dr. Paul Whatley, M.D.
Dr. Paul Whatley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Whatley has performed 37 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #24 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Whatley performs above average in shoulder (37 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Whatley's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 37 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.
Fort Worth is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fort Worth area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Whatley extend back to 2016, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 37 in the most recent data, a 208% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Whatley's 37 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.
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. Whatley Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whatley's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 208% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 37 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 37 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Whatley ranks #303 out of 573 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 37 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 23 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 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. Whatley's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 37 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Whatley's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whatley's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2016 to 37 in the most recent data, a 208% increase over 5 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 23 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Worth, Dr. Whatley ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fort Worth has 166 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 37 Medicare procedures are below the Fort Worth average of 125. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Worth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey McGowen | 166 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ajai Cadambi | 163 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Theodore Crofford | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Schmidt | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Ogden | 123 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Haile | 100 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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