#23 Hip
#39 Knee

Dr. Michael Garitty, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
63 procedures 2 hospitals Lake Charles, LA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 27 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 36 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Michael Garitty is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Garitty has performed 36 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#39 in Louisiana) and 27 hip replacements, for a combined total of 63 procedures.

In Louisiana, Dr. Garitty performs near average in knee (36 vs 40 avg), near average in hip (27 vs 28 avg).

Dr. Garitty's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (36 cases) and hip replacements (27 cases).

Lake Charles is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lake Charles area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Garitty's Medicare data spans 5 years, beginning in 2019. Volume peaked at 86 procedures in 2019 before settling at 63 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Garitty's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
36 verified cases
#39 in Louisiana
Hip Replacement
27 verified cases
#23 in Louisiana
Estimated total: 170 – 190 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Garitty Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.

Hip Average
27 Avg: 28
Knee Average
36 Avg: 40
Dr. Garitty Louisiana Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 377-721-7236
1747 Imperial Blvd
Lake Charles, LA 70605
NPI: 1962815332
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
12 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Garitty's recorded volume peaked at 86 procedures in 2019 and stood at 63 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 5
2023 Volume 63
Peak Volume 86 (2019)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Christus Ochsner St Patrick Hospital
★★★★☆
Lake Charles, LA
Low case volume
H
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
★★★★☆
Sulphur, LA
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Garitty

How does Dr. Garitty's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?

Dr. Garitty has performed 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Louisiana average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Garitty ranks #37 out of 118 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Garitty perform?

Dr. Garitty's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases) and hip replacement (27 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Garitty in Lake Charles?

Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles 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 Louisiana surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Garitty 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. Garitty's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 63 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Garitty's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Garitty's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 86 procedures in 2019 and was 63 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.

Does Dr. Garitty perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Garitty's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases), hip replacement (27 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Garitty affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Garitty is affiliated with Christus Ochsner St Patrick Hospital, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.

How does Dr. Garitty compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles?

Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles, Dr. Garitty ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lake Charles has 117 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Garitty practices?

Christus Ochsner St Patrick Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (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 Lake Charles, Louisiana

Dr. Garitty's 63 Medicare procedures are below the Lake Charles average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lake Charles.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. John Noble 117 Hip, Knee
Dr. Steven Hale 114 Hip, Knee
Dr. Nathan Cohen 83 Hip, Knee
Dr. Jonathan Foret 69 Knee
Dr. Michael Meinhold 39 Hip, Knee
Dr. George Trappey 28 Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Michael Garitty, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/la/dr-michael-garitty-lake-charles.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/la/dr-michael-garitty-lake-charles.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.