Dr. Paul Yau, MD
Contact & Location
Knoxville, TN 37916
Dr. Paul Yau is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Yau has performed 89 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#8 in Tennessee) and 33 knee replacements, for a combined total of 122 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Yau performs well above average in hip (89 vs 36 avg), below average in knee (33 vs 46 avg).
Dr. Yau's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (89 cases) and knee replacements (33 cases).
Knoxville is home to 32 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Knoxville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Yau extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 122 in the most recent data, a 917% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Yau's 89 verified procedures is more than 2x 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. Yau Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Yau's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 917% from 12 procedures in 2013 to 122 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 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Yau
How does Dr. Yau's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Yau has performed 122 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Yau ranks #28 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Yau perform?
Dr. Yau's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (89 cases) and knee replacement (33 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Yau with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Yau ranks #8 in Tennessee for hip replacement with 89 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 219 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Yau in Knoxville?
Yes. There are 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville 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. Yau 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. Yau's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 122 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Yau's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Yau's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2013 to 122 in the most recent data, a 917% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 135 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Yau perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Yau's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (89 cases), knee replacement (33 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Yau affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Yau is affiliated with Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Parkwest Medical Center.
How does Dr. Yau compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville?
Among the 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville, Dr. Yau ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Knoxville has 386 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Yau practices?
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Parkwest Medical Center (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 Knoxville, Tennessee
Dr. Yau's 122 Medicare procedures are below the Knoxville average of 187. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Knoxville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Herman Botero | 386 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Conrad Ivie | 183 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Nadaud | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Sherrell | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harold Cates | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Dilworth | 141 | 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.