Dr. Richard Johnston, M.D.
Contact & Location
Atlanta, GA 30318
Dr. Richard Johnston is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Atlanta, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Johnston has performed 17 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #155 in Georgia.
In Georgia, Dr. Johnston performs below average in knee (17 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Johnston's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 17 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Atlanta is home to 30 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Atlanta area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Johnston extend back to 2013, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 17 in the most recent data, a 31% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Johnston's 17 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Johnston Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Johnston's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 31% from 13 procedures in 2013 to 17 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Johnston
How does Dr. Johnston's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Johnston has performed 17 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. Johnston ranks #191 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Johnston perform?
Dr. Johnston's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 17 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Johnston in Atlanta?
Yes. There are 30 orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta 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. Johnston 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. Johnston's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 17 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Johnston's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Johnston's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2013 to 17 in the most recent data, a 31% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 20 procedures in 2019.
Which hospitals is Dr. Johnston affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Johnston is affiliated with Piedmont Hospital, Inc.
How does Dr. Johnston compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta?
Among the 30 orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta, Dr. Johnston ranks #28 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Atlanta has 249 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Johnston practices?
Piedmont Hospital, Inc (4 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 Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Johnston's 17 Medicare procedures are below the Atlanta average of 151. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Atlanta.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Hanna | 249 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Bradbury | 207 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Peretz | 182 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Smith | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Greg Erens | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Oren Goltzer | 122 | 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.