Dr. Lawson Smart, M.D.
Contact & Location
Syracuse, NY 13214
Dr. Lawson Smart is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Syracuse, New York. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Smart has performed 30 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #27 in New York.
In New York, Dr. Smart performs near average in shoulder (30 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Smart's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 30 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 7 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Smart extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 30 in the most recent data, a 150% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smart's 30 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
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. Smart Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smart's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 150% from 12 procedures in 2017 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 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 30 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New York average is 69 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Smart ranks #229 out of 334 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 30 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 7 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 30 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smart's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smart's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2017 to 30 in the most recent data, a 150% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 30 procedures in 2024.
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 7 orthopedic surgeons in Syracuse, Dr. Smart ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Syracuse has 129 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 30 Medicare procedures are below the Syracuse average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Syracuse.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Anthony Orio | 129 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Max Greenky | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Kopko | 103 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Clarke | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Everding | 46 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Wiese | 11 | 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.