Dr. Austin Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
602-648-5444
Gilbert, AZ 85234
Dr. Smith performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 72% of orthopedic surgeons in Arizona, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #17 of 62 ranked shoulder surgeons in Arizona.
About Dr. Smith
Practice. Dr. Austin Smith is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gilbert, Arizona. The latest annual CMS data records 37 shoulder replacements and 31 hip replacements, 68 procedures in all. That is #17 in Arizona for shoulder replacement. Dr. Smith also holds credentials in Sports Medicine.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2022 to 2024, 3 years. Volume rose from 19 procedures a year to 68, up 258%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 37 procedures is above the national average of 29.
Local context. Gilbert has 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 19 |
| 2023 | 0 | 34 |
| 2024 | 31 | 37 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 258% from 19 procedures in 2022 to 68 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Smith
How does Dr. Smith's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 68 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Arizona average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #74 out of 191 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (37 cases) and hip replacement (31 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Smith with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Smith ranks #17 in Arizona for shoulder replacement with 37 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 191 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Gilbert?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert 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 Arizona surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Smith represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Smith's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 250 procedures against the 68 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2022 to 68 in the most recent data, a 258% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 68 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (37 cases), hip replacement (31 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 Arizona Spine And Joint Hospital.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Gilbert, Dr. Smith ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Gilbert has 193 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith practices?
Arizona Spine And Joint Hospital (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 Gilbert, Arizona
Dr. Smith's 68 Medicare procedures are below the Gilbert average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gilbert.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Bryce | 193 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Maxwell Thomas | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Myerthall | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Nelson | 93 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Earl Feng | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Woodruff | 78 | 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.