Dr. Steven Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
479-709-6700
Fort Smith, AR 72903
About Dr. Smith
Dr. Steven Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Smith performed 42 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#27 in Arkansas) and 15 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Arkansas, Dr. Smith performs near the state average in knee (42 vs 47), below the state average in shoulder (15 vs 23).
Dr. Smith's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (42 cases) and shoulder replacements (15 cases).
Fort Smith is home to 7 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. Smith also maintains hospital privileges in AR and OK, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Arkansas.
Dr. Smith's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2021 before settling at 57 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smith's 42 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 52 | 11 |
| 2014 | 14 | 47 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 43 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 | 44 | 12 |
| 2017 | 18 | 49 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 | 44 | 0 |
| 2019 | 15 | 43 | 11 |
| 2020 | 17 | 43 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 | 51 | 11 |
| 2022 | 13 | 30 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 | 41 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 42 | 15 |
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 recorded volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2021 and stood at 57 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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Arkansas average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #39 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 (42 cases) and shoulder replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Fort Smith?
Yes. There are 7 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. 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 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2021 and was 57 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.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases), shoulder replacement (15 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 Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority, Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Ozark. Dr. Smith maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fort Smith?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Smith, Dr. Smith ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Smith is among the highest-volume surgeons in Fort Smith.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith 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. Smith's 57 Medicare procedures are above the Fort Smith average of 53. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fort Smith.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jody Bradshaw | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Greg Jones | 69 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Garlow | 56 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Sudbrink | 25 | Knee |
| Dr. John Harp | 21 | Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Tobey | 12 | Shoulder |
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.