#59 in Arkansas
Knee

Dr. Keith Bolyard, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
21 procedures 1 hospital Fort Smith, AR
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 21 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Keith Bolyard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bolyard has performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #59 in Arkansas.

In Arkansas, Dr. Bolyard performs below average in knee (21 vs 47 avg).

Dr. Bolyard's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 21 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.

Fort Smith is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fort Smith area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Bolyard's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2015 before settling at 21 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Bolyard's 21 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
21 verified cases
#59 in Arkansas
Estimated total: 60 – 60 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. Bolyard Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.

Knee Below Avg
21 Avg: 47
Dr. Bolyard Arkansas Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 479-709-6700
3501 W. E. Knight Drive
Fort Smith, AR 72903
NPI: 1356319123
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Bolyard's recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2015 and stood at 21 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 21
Peak Volume 44 (2015)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
★★★☆☆
Fort Smith, AR
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. Bolyard

How does Dr. Bolyard's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?

Dr. Bolyard has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arkansas average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bolyard ranks #67 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bolyard perform?

Dr. Bolyard's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bolyard in Fort Smith?

Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Smith 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. Bolyard 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. Bolyard's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 21 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Bolyard's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 44 procedures in 2015 and was 21 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. Bolyard affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bolyard is affiliated with Mercy Hospital Fort Smith.

How does Dr. Bolyard compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fort Smith?

Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Smith, Dr. Bolyard ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fort Smith has 126 verified Medicare procedures.

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

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith (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 Fort Smith, Arkansas

Dr. Bolyard's 21 Medicare procedures are below the Fort Smith average of 53. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Smith.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Jody Bradshaw 126 Hip, Knee
Dr. Greg Jones 67 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Steven Smith 53 Hip, Knee
Dr. Timothy Garlow 51 Hip, Knee
Dr. Jeffrey Evans 38 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. John Harp 15 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. Keith Bolyard, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ar/dr-keith-bolyard-fort-smith.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ar/dr-keith-bolyard-fort-smith.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.