Dr. Michael Garitty, M.D.
Contact & Location
Lake Charles, LA 70605
Dr. Michael Garitty is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Garitty has performed 57 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#21 in Louisiana) and 27 hip replacements, for a combined total of 84 procedures.
In Louisiana, Dr. Garitty performs above average in knee (57 vs 41 avg), near average in hip (27 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Garitty's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (57 cases) and hip replacements (27 cases).
Lake Charles is home to 11 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 record spans 6 years from 2019 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 35 to 86 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Garitty's 57 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Garitty Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Garitty's procedure volume has been consistent across 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 35 to 86 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Garitty
How does Dr. Garitty's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Garitty has performed 84 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Louisiana average of 54 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Garitty ranks #22 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Garitty perform?
Dr. Garitty's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (57 cases) and hip replacement (27 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Garitty in Lake Charles?
Yes. There are 11 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 84 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Garitty's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Garitty's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 6 years of Medicare data, ranging from 35 to 86 procedures per year between 2019 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Garitty perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Garitty's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (57 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 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles, Dr. Garitty ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Garitty is among the highest-volume surgeons in Lake Charles.
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 84 Medicare procedures are above the Lake Charles average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lake Charles.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Hale | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Cohen | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Foret | 75 | Knee |
| Dr. Charles Hansen | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. George Trappey | 37 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Hinton | 33 | 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.