Dr. James Smith, MD
Contact & Location
Louisville, KY 40218
Dr. James Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Louisville, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Smith has performed 12 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #37 in Kentucky.
In Kentucky, Dr. Smith performs below average in shoulder (12 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 12 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Smith holds additional credentials in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Louisville is home to 40 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Louisville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Smith's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2021 before settling at 12 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Smith's 12 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 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. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's recorded volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2021 and stood at 12 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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 Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Kentucky average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Smith ranks #123 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Louisville?
Yes. There are 40 orthopedic surgeons in Louisville 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 Kentucky surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Smith 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. Smith's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2021 and was 12 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Physicians' Medical Center Llc. Dr. Smith maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Louisville?
Among the 40 orthopedic surgeons in Louisville, Dr. Smith ranks #39 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Louisville has 323 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith practices?
Physicians' Medical Center Llc (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Louisville, Kentucky
Dr. Smith's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Louisville average of 209. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Louisville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Yerasimides | 323 | Hip |
| Dr. Reid Brown | 300 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Sweet | 276 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Greene | 215 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Goodin | 190 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Krupp | 144 | 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.