Dr. Eric Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
617-638-5633
Boston, MA 02118
Dr. Smith performs more knee replacement procedures than 91% of orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #14 of 160 ranked knee surgeons in Massachusetts.
About Dr. Smith
Practice. Dr. Eric Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Boston, Massachusetts. The latest annual CMS data records 107 knee replacements and 63 hip replacements, 170 procedures in all. That is #14 in Massachusetts for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 99 procedures a year to 170, up 72%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 107 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Boston has 50 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 45 | 54 |
| 2014 | 47 | 45 |
| 2015 | 41 | 48 |
| 2016 | 36 | 47 |
| 2017 | 39 | 49 |
| 2018 | 28 | 42 |
| 2019 | 28 | 35 |
| 2020 | 33 | 58 |
| 2021 | 44 | 60 |
| 2022 | 44 | 65 |
| 2023 | 76 | 88 |
| 2024 | 63 | 107 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 72% from 99 procedures in 2013 to 170 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA 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.
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. Smith
How does Dr. Smith's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 170 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Massachusetts average of 74 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #20 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (107 cases) and hip replacement (63 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Smith with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Smith ranks #14 in Massachusetts for knee replacement with 107 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 203 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Boston?
Yes. There are 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston 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 Massachusetts surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Smith 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Smith's total volume across all insurers at roughly 570 to 720 procedures against the 170 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. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 99 procedures in 2013 to 170 in the most recent data, a 72% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 170 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (107 cases), hip replacement (63 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with New England Baptist Hospital.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Boston?
Among the 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston, Dr. Smith ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Boston has 305 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith practices?
New England Baptist Hospital (5 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 Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Smith's 170 Medicare procedures are below the Boston average of 202. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Boston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Carl Talmo | 305 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Young-Min Kwon | 235 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Bono | 204 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Pagani | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dennis Burke | 169 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vivek Shah | 156 | 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.