Dr. Philip McDowell, M.D.
Contact & Location
Knoxville, TN 37920
Dr. Philip McDowell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. McDowell has performed 56 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#8 in Tennessee) and 38 knee replacements, for a combined total of 94 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. McDowell performs above average in shoulder (56 vs 32 avg), near average in knee (38 vs 46 avg).
Dr. McDowell's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (56 cases) and knee replacements (38 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. McDowell extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 94 in the most recent data, a 683% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. McDowell's 56 verified procedures is above 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. McDowell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. McDowell's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 683% from 12 procedures in 2015 to 94 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. McDowell
How does Dr. McDowell's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. McDowell has performed 94 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. McDowell ranks #50 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. McDowell perform?
Dr. McDowell's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (56 cases) and knee replacement (38 cases).
How experienced is Dr. McDowell with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. McDowell ranks #8 in Tennessee for shoulder replacement with 56 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 219 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. McDowell 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. McDowell 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. McDowell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 94 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. McDowell's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. McDowell's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2015 to 94 in the most recent data, a 683% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 94 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. McDowell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. McDowell's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (56 cases), knee replacement (38 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. McDowell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. McDowell is affiliated with University Of Tn Medical Center (The), Blount Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. McDowell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville?
Among the 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville, Dr. McDowell ranks #10 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. McDowell practices?
University Of Tn Medical Center (The) (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Blount Memorial Hospital (4 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 Knoxville, Tennessee
Dr. McDowell's 94 Medicare procedures are below the Knoxville average of 183. 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.