Dr. Stephen Gunther, M.D.
Contact & Location
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Dr. Stephen Gunther is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charlottesville, Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Gunther has performed 25 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #34 in Virginia.
In Virginia, Dr. Gunther performs below average in shoulder (25 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Gunther's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 25 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.
Charlottesville is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Charlottesville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Gunther extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 25 in the most recent data, a 67% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gunther's 25 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
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. Gunther Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gunther's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 67% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 25 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Gunther
How does Dr. Gunther's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Gunther has performed 25 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Virginia average is 82 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Gunther ranks #184 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gunther perform?
Dr. Gunther's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 25 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gunther in Charlottesville?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Charlottesville 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. Gunther 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. Gunther's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Gunther's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gunther's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 25 in the most recent data, a 67% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 35 procedures in 2021.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gunther affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gunther is affiliated with Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.
How does Dr. Gunther compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Charlottesville?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Charlottesville, Dr. Gunther ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Charlottesville has 267 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gunther practices?
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital (5 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 Charlottesville, Virginia
Dr. Gunther's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Charlottesville average of 156. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Charlottesville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Browne | 267 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Megan Swanson | 189 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Quanjun Cui | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Edwards | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ian Duensing | 163 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Hall | 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.