#96 in Alabama
Knee

Dr. William Lawrence, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgery
15 procedures 2 hospitals Athens, AL
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 15 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. William Lawrence is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Athens, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Lawrence has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #96 in Alabama.

In Alabama, Dr. Lawrence performs below average in knee (15 vs 34 avg).

Dr. Lawrence's Medicare data shows a focused knee 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.

Athens is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Athens area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Lawrence's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2014 before settling at 15 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Lawrence's 15 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
15 verified cases
#96 in Alabama
Estimated total: 40 – 50 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. Lawrence Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.

Knee Below Avg
15 Avg: 34
Dr. Lawrence Alabama Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 256-233-2332
22454 Us Highway 72 Ste 200
Athens, AL 35613
NPI: 1811929557
Credentials: D.O.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed D.O.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Lawrence's recorded volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2014 and stood at 15 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 15
Peak Volume 30 (2014)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Athens Limestone Hospital
★★★☆☆
Athens, AL
Similar to national avg
H
Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus
★★★☆☆
Decatur, AL
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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

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

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Lawrence

How does Dr. Lawrence's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?

Dr. Lawrence has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Lawrence ranks #110 out of 129 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lawrence perform?

Dr. Lawrence's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee 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. Lawrence in Athens?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Athens 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 Alabama surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Lawrence 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. Lawrence's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Lawrence's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Lawrence's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2014 and was 15 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.

Which hospitals is Dr. Lawrence affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lawrence is affiliated with Athens Limestone Hospital, Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus.

How does Dr. Lawrence compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Athens?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Athens, Dr. Lawrence ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Lawrence is among the highest-volume surgeons in Athens.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lawrence practices?

Athens Limestone Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Decatur Morgan Hospital-Decatur Campus (3 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 Athens, Alabama

Dr. Lawrence's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Athens average of 36. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Athens.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Joseph Boyett 58 Hip, Knee
Dr. James Stanford 34 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. William Lawrence, D.O. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/al/dr-william-lawrence-athens.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/al/dr-william-lawrence-athens.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.