Dr. Lauren Cook, M.D.
Dr. Lauren Cook is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Jefferson City, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Cook has performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#134 in Missouri) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 30 procedures.
In Missouri, Dr. Cook performs below average in knee (16 vs 43 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Cook's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (16 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Jefferson City is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Jefferson City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Cook extend back to 2019, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 30 in the most recent data, a 114% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Cook's 16 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Cook Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Contact & Location
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cook's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 114% from 14 procedures in 2019 to 30 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Cook
How does Dr. Cook's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Cook has performed 30 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Cook ranks #130 out of 199 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cook perform?
Dr. Cook's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cook in Jefferson City?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Jefferson City 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cook 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. Cook's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 30 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Cook's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Cook's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2019 to 30 in the most recent data, a 114% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 39 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Cook perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Cook's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cook affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cook is affiliated with University Of Missouri Health Care, Lake Regional Health System, Bothwell Regional Health Center.
How does Dr. Cook compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Jefferson City?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Jefferson City, Dr. Cook ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Cook is among the highest-volume surgeons in Jefferson City.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cook practices?
University Of Missouri Health Care (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lake Regional Health System (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Bothwell Regional Health Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Jefferson City, Missouri
Dr. Cook's 30 Medicare procedures are below the Jefferson City average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Jefferson City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Craighead | 122 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kevin Middlemist | 19 | Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Galbraith | 17 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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