Dr. Joshua Lawson, M.D.
Contact & Location
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Dr. Joshua Lawson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Lawson has performed 47 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#64 in Tennessee) and 29 hip replacements, for a combined total of 76 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Lawson performs near average in knee (47 vs 46 avg), near average in hip (29 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Lawson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (47 cases) and hip replacements (29 cases).
Chattanooga is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chattanooga area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Lawson extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 26 to 76 in the most recent data, a 192% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Lawson's 47 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Lawson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lawson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 192% from 26 procedures in 2022 to 76 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.
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.
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. Lawson
How does Dr. Lawson's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Lawson has performed 76 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Lawson ranks #71 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lawson perform?
Dr. Lawson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases) and hip replacement (29 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lawson in Chattanooga?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga 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 Tennessee surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Lawson 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. Lawson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 76 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lawson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lawson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 26 procedures in 2022 to 76 in the most recent data, a 192% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 76 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Lawson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lawson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases), hip replacement (29 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lawson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lawson is affiliated with Parkridge Medical Center, Memorial Healthcare System, Inc, Rhea Medical Center.
How does Dr. Lawson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga, Dr. Lawson ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chattanooga has 311 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lawson practices?
Parkridge Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Memorial Healthcare System, Inc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Rhea Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dr. Lawson's 76 Medicare procedures are below the Chattanooga average of 156. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chattanooga.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Ballard | 311 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Nash | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Higgins | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kristopher Sanders | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rogers | 105 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Freeman | 96 | 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.