Dr. Lawrence Specht, MD
Contact & Location
Burlington, MA 01805
Dr. Lawrence Specht is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Burlington, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Specht has performed 40 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#56 in Massachusetts) and 34 knee replacements, for a combined total of 74 procedures.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Specht performs near average in hip (40 vs 44 avg), below average in knee (34 vs 50 avg).
Dr. Specht's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (40 cases) and knee replacements (34 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Specht holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Burlington is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Burlington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Specht's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 102 procedures in 2018 before settling at 74 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Specht's 40 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. Specht Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Specht's recorded volume peaked at 102 procedures in 2018 and stood at 74 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Specht
How does Dr. Specht's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Specht has performed 74 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Massachusetts average of 74 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Specht ranks #79 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Specht perform?
Dr. Specht's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (40 cases) and knee replacement (34 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Specht in Burlington?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Burlington 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. Specht 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. Specht's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 74 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Specht's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Specht's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 102 procedures in 2018 and was 74 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. Specht perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Specht's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (40 cases), knee replacement (34 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Specht affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Specht is affiliated with Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, Beverly Hospital Corporation.
How does Dr. Specht compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Burlington?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Burlington, Dr. Specht ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Specht is among the highest-volume surgeons in Burlington.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Specht practices?
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Beverly Hospital Corporation (3 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 Burlington, Massachusetts
Dr. Specht's 74 Medicare procedures are above the Burlington average of 54. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Burlington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephanie Clegg | 123 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Tilzey | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Jolley | 26 | Knee |
| Dr. Richard Iorio | 24 | Knee |
| Dr. Mark Lemos | 23 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Paul Smiley | 17 | 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.