Dr. Richard Johnston, M.D.
Contact & Location
404-352-1015
Atlanta, GA 30318
Dr. Johnston performs more knee replacement procedures than 23% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #155 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Johnston
Practice. Dr. Richard Johnston is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Atlanta, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 17 knee replacements. That is #155 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 17, up 31%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 17 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Atlanta has 30 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 17 |
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. 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. 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 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, which puts Dr. Johnston's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 70 procedures against the 17 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. 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.