Dr. Robert Hartzler, M.D.
Contact & Location
San Antonio, TX 78216
Dr. Robert Hartzler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Hartzler has performed 62 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #8 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Hartzler performs well above average in shoulder (62 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Hartzler's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 62 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.
San Antonio is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Antonio area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hartzler extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 62 in the most recent data, a 343% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hartzler's 62 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 29, ranking #165 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Hartzler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hartzler's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 343% from 14 procedures in 2015 to 62 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:
Evidence-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.
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. Hartzler
How does Dr. Hartzler's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Hartzler has performed 62 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hartzler ranks #175 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hartzler perform?
Dr. Hartzler's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 62 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Hartzler with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Hartzler ranks #8 in Texas for shoulder replacement with 62 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 582 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hartzler in San Antonio?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio 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. Hartzler 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. Hartzler's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 62 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hartzler's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hartzler's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2015 to 62 in the most recent data, a 343% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 62 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hartzler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hartzler is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center, Uvalde Memorial Hospital, Peterson Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Hartzler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Hartzler ranks #14 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Antonio has 383 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hartzler practices?
Baptist Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Uvalde Memorial Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Peterson Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Hartzler's 62 Medicare procedures are below the San Antonio average of 188. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Antonio.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Phelps | 383 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Bryan Kaiser | 235 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Ursone | 191 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Casey Taber | 172 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Girling | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Morrey | 116 | 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.