Shoulder
Dr. Ralph Garretson, MD
Dr. Ralph Garretson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Warrenton, Virginia. Dr. Garretson has performed 15 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #51 in Virginia.
In Virginia, Dr. Garretson performs below average in shoulder (15 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Garretson's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 15 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.
Warrenton is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Warrenton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Garretson extend back to 2015, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 15 in the most recent data, a 36% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Garretson's 15 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Garretson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Contact & Location
Warrenton, VA 20186
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Garretson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 36% from 11 procedures in 2015 to 15 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 step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Garretson
How does Dr. Garretson's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Garretson has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Virginia average is 83 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Garretson ranks #206 out of 223 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Garretson perform?
Dr. Garretson's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Garretson in Warrenton?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Warrenton 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 Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Garretson 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. Garretson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Garretson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Garretson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2015 to 15 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 18 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Garretson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Garretson is affiliated with Fauquier Hospital, Warren Memorial Hospital, Uva Health Haymarket Medical Center.
How does Dr. Garretson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Warrenton?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Warrenton, Dr. Garretson ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Warrenton has 102 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Garretson practices?
Fauquier Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Warren Memorial Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Uva Health Haymarket Medical Center (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 Warrenton, Virginia
Dr. Garretson's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Warrenton average of 40. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Warrenton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Ramser | 102 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Smith | 29 | Knee |
| Dr. James Ward | 15 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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