Shoulder
Dr. Lawson Smart, M.D.
Dr. Lawson Smart is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Syracuse, New York. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Smart has performed 11 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #72 in New York.
In New York, Dr. Smart performs below average in shoulder (11 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Smart's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 11 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Syracuse is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Syracuse area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Smart's Medicare data spans 6 years, beginning in 2017. Volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2019 before settling at 11 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Smart's 11 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 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. Smart Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Contact & Location
Syracuse, NY 13214
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smart's recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2019 and stood at 11 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Smart
How does Dr. Smart's procedure volume compare to other New York surgeons?
Dr. Smart has performed 11 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New York average is 67 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Smart ranks #338 out of 338 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smart perform?
Dr. Smart's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 11 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smart in Syracuse?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Syracuse 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 New York surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Smart 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. Smart's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 11 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smart's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smart's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2019 and was 11 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smart affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smart is affiliated with Crouse Hospital, Oswego Hospital.
How does Dr. Smart compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Syracuse?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Syracuse, Dr. Smart ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Syracuse has 156 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smart practices?
Crouse Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Oswego Hospital (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 Syracuse, New York
Dr. Smart's 11 Medicare procedures are below the Syracuse average of 78. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Syracuse.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Anthony Orio | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Kopko | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Max Greenky | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Clarke | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Everding | 31 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Daniel Wnorowski | 16 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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