Dr. William Lawrence, D.O.
Contact & Location
Athens, AL 35613
Dr. William Lawrence is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Athens, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Lawrence has performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #76 in Alabama.
In Alabama, Dr. Lawrence performs below average in knee (19 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Lawrence's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 19 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 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2014 before settling at 19 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 19 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Lawrence Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lawrence's recorded volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2014 and stood at 19 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Lawrence
How does Dr. Lawrence's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Lawrence has performed 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 44 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Lawrence ranks #91 out of 126 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 19 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 19 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 19 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 19 Medicare procedures are below the Athens average of 44. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Athens.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Boyett | 65 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Stanford | 49 | 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.