Dr. Joel Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
Little Rock, AR 72205
Dr. Joel Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Little Rock, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Smith has performed 51 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#18 in Arkansas) and 13 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 64 procedures.
In Arkansas, Dr. Smith performs near average in knee (51 vs 47 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 23 avg).
Dr. Smith's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 80% of reported Medicare volume.
Little Rock is home to 24 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Little Rock area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Smith extend back to 2015, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 64 in the most recent data, a 482% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smith's 51 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 482% from 11 procedures in 2015 to 64 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 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Smith
How does Dr. Smith's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 64 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Arkansas average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #28 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases) and shoulder replacement (13 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Smith with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Smith ranks #18 in Arkansas for knee replacement with 51 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Little Rock?
Yes. There are 24 orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock 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 Arkansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Smith 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. Smith's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 64 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2015 to 64 in the most recent data, a 482% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 80 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Baptist Health Medical Center North Little Rock, Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock?
Among the 24 orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock, Dr. Smith ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Little Rock has 322 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith practices?
Arkansas Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist Health Medical Center North Little Rock (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock (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 Little Rock, Arkansas
Dr. Smith's 64 Medicare procedures are below the Little Rock average of 153. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Little Rock.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Martin | 322 | Knee |
| Dr. Charles Barnes | 169 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Newbern | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Baxter | 131 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Nix | 126 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Edwards | 117 | 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.