Dr. Lawrence Bircoll, M.D.
Contact & Location
770-491-3003
Decatur, GA 30030
Dr. Bircoll performs more knee replacement procedures than 45% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #111 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Bircoll
Practice. Dr. Lawrence Bircoll is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Decatur, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 27 knee replacements and 14 hip replacements, 41 procedures in all. That is #111 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 23 and 51 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 27 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Decatur has 5 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 26 |
| 2014 | 13 | 31 |
| 2015 | 16 | 19 |
| 2016 | 0 | 27 |
| 2017 | 18 | 26 |
| 2018 | 17 | 27 |
| 2019 | 16 | 24 |
| 2020 | 11 | 12 |
| 2021 | 12 | 16 |
| 2022 | 20 | 20 |
| 2023 | 15 | 36 |
| 2024 | 14 | 27 |
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 23% to 28% for knee 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. Bircoll Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bircoll's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 23 to 51 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA 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.
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. Bircoll
How does Dr. Bircoll's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Bircoll has performed 41 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Georgia average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Bircoll ranks #115 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bircoll perform?
Dr. Bircoll's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bircoll in Decatur?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Decatur 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bircoll 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Bircoll's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 41 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. Bircoll's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bircoll's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 23 to 51 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Bircoll perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bircoll's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bircoll affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bircoll is affiliated with Piedmont Eastside Medical Center.
How does Dr. Bircoll compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Decatur?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Decatur, Dr. Bircoll ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bircoll has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bircoll practices?
Piedmont Eastside Medical Center (1 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 Decatur, Georgia
Dr. Bircoll's 41 Medicare procedures are above the Decatur average of 24. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Decatur.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeff Traub | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Shaun Traub | 20 | Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Haraszti | 14 | Knee |
| Dr. Maurice Jove | 12 | 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.