Dr. Timothy Garlow, MD
Contact & Location
479-709-6700
Fort Smith, AR 72903
About Dr. Garlow
Dr. Timothy Garlow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Garlow performed 38 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#28 in Arkansas) and 18 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 56 procedures.
In Arkansas, Dr. Garlow performs near the state average in knee (38 vs 47), below the state average in hip (18 vs 35).
Dr. Garlow's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (38 cases) and hip replacements (18 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. Garlow also maintains hospital privileges in AR and OK, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Arkansas.
Medicare records for Dr. Garlow extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 25 to 56 in the most recent data, a 124% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Garlow's 38 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 25 |
| 2017 | 12 | 32 |
| 2018 | 19 | 33 |
| 2019 | 17 | 39 |
| 2020 | 0 | 30 |
| 2021 | 14 | 36 |
| 2022 | 11 | 32 |
| 2023 | 21 | 30 |
| 2024 | 18 | 38 |
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. Garlow Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Garlow's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 124% from 25 procedures in 2016 to 56 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.
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. Garlow
How does Dr. Garlow's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Garlow has performed 56 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Arkansas average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Garlow ranks #40 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Garlow perform?
Dr. Garlow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Garlow 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. Garlow 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. Garlow's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 56 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Garlow's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Garlow's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 25 procedures in 2016 to 56 in the most recent data, a 124% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 56 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Garlow perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Garlow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Garlow affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Garlow is affiliated with Mercy Hospital Fort Smith, Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Paris. Dr. Garlow maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Garlow compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fort Smith?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Fort Smith, Dr. Garlow ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fort Smith has 130 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Garlow 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. Garlow's 56 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. Steven Smith | 57 | Knee, Shoulder |
| 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.