#34 in Virginia
Shoulder

Dr. Stephen Gunther, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
23 procedures 1 hospital Charlottesville, VA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 23 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Stephen Gunther is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Gunther has performed 23 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #34 in Virginia.

In Virginia, Dr. Gunther performs below average in shoulder (23 vs 34 avg).

Dr. Gunther's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 23 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 12 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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 23 in the most recent data, a 53% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gunther's 23 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
23 verified cases
#34 in Virginia
Estimated total: 60 – 70 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Shoulder Below Avg
23 Avg: 34
Dr. Gunther Virginia Average

Contact & Location

595 Martha Jefferson Dr Ste 180
Charlottesville, VA 22911
NPI: 1285613034
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Gunther's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 53% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 23 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 23
Peak Volume 35 (2021)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
★★★★★
Charlottesville, VA
Similar to national avg

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.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

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 23 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. Gunther ranks #179 out of 223 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 23 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 12 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 23 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 23 in the most recent data, a 53% increase over 11 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 12 orthopedic surgeons in Charlottesville, Dr. Gunther ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Charlottesville has 268 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 23 Medicare procedures are below the Charlottesville average of 159. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Charlottesville.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. James Browne 268 Hip, Knee
Dr. Megan Swanson 193 Hip, Knee
Dr. John Edwards 188 Hip, Knee
Dr. Ian Duensing 158 Hip, Knee
Dr. Quanjun Cui 156 Hip, Knee
Dr. John Hall 130 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Stephen Gunther, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/va/dr-stephen-gunther-charlottesville.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/va/dr-stephen-gunther-charlottesville.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.