Dr. Samuel Baxter, M.D.
Dr. Samuel Baxter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Little Rock, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Baxter has performed 68 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#11 in Arkansas) and 63 hip replacements, for a combined total of 131 procedures.
In Arkansas, Dr. Baxter performs above average in knee (68 vs 47 avg), above average in hip (63 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Baxter's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (68 cases) and hip replacements (63 cases).
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. Baxter extend back to 2020, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 131 in the most recent data, a 773% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Baxter's 68 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Baxter Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Contact & Location
Little Rock, AR 72205
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Baxter's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 773% from 15 procedures in 2020 to 131 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Baxter
How does Dr. Baxter's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Baxter has performed 131 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Arkansas average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Baxter ranks #10 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Baxter perform?
Dr. Baxter's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (68 cases) and hip replacement (63 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Baxter with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Baxter ranks #11 in Arkansas for knee replacement with 68 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Baxter 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. Baxter 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. Baxter's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 131 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Baxter's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Baxter's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2020 to 131 in the most recent data, a 773% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 131 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Baxter perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Baxter's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (68 cases), hip replacement (63 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Baxter affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Baxter is affiliated with Arkansas Surgical Hospital, Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia, Baptist Health Medical Center- Conway.
How does Dr. Baxter compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock?
Among the 24 orthopedic surgeons in Little Rock, Dr. Baxter ranks #4 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. Baxter practices?
Arkansas Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Baptist Health Medical Center- Conway (3 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 Little Rock, Arkansas
Dr. Baxter's 131 Medicare procedures are below the Little Rock average of 160. 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. Richard Nix | 126 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Edwards | 117 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Smith | 116 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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