Dr. Philip Branson, MD
Contact & Location
304-487-2297
Princeton, WV 24740
About Dr. Branson
Dr. Philip Branson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Princeton, West Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Branson performed 58 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#9 in West Virginia) and 20 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 78 procedures.
In West Virginia, Dr. Branson performs above the state average in knee (58 vs 41), below the state average in hip (20 vs 28).
Dr. Branson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (58 cases) and hip replacements (20 cases).
Princeton is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Princeton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Branson's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 119 procedures in 2016 before settling at 78 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Branson's 58 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 31 | 81 |
| 2014 | 25 | 68 |
| 2015 | 28 | 84 |
| 2016 | 35 | 84 |
| 2017 | 32 | 67 |
| 2018 | 20 | 82 |
| 2019 | 29 | 90 |
| 2020 | 20 | 70 |
| 2021 | 17 | 63 |
| 2022 | 15 | 95 |
| 2023 | 23 | 80 |
| 2024 | 20 | 58 |
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. Branson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the West Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Branson's recorded volume peaked at 119 procedures in 2016 and stood at 78 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Branson
How does Dr. Branson's procedure volume compare to other West Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Branson has performed 78 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the West Virginia average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Branson ranks #14 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in West Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Branson perform?
Dr. Branson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (58 cases) and hip replacement (20 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Branson with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Branson ranks #9 in West Virginia for knee replacement with 58 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 45 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Branson in Princeton?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Princeton 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 West Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Branson 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. Branson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 78 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Branson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Branson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 119 procedures in 2016 and was 78 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Branson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Branson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (58 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Branson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Branson is affiliated with Princeton Community Hospital Assn Inc, Raleigh General Hospital.
How does Dr. Branson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Princeton?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Princeton, Dr. Branson ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Branson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Princeton.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Branson practices?
Princeton Community Hospital Assn Inc (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Raleigh General Hospital (1 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 Princeton, West Virginia
Dr. Branson's 78 Medicare procedures are below the Princeton average of 82. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Princeton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Frederick Morgan | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Higinbotham | 55 | 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.