Dr. Robert Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
865-769-4500
Knoxville, TN 37922
Dr. Smith performs more knee replacement procedures than 34% of orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #116 of 176 ranked knee surgeons in Tennessee.
About Dr. Smith
Practice. Dr. Robert Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee. The latest annual CMS data records 25 knee replacements. That is #116 in Tennessee for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 8 years. Volume rose from 16 procedures a year to 25, up 56%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 25 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Knoxville has 32 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 56% from 16 procedures in 2014 to 25 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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.
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.
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. Smith
How does Dr. Smith's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 25 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Tennessee average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Smith ranks #166 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 25 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith 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. Smith represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Smith's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 25 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2014 to 25 in the most recent data, a 56% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 25 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Parkwest Medical Center, Starr Regional Medical Center Athens, Fort Loudon Medical Center, Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center, Morristown Hamblen Hospital Association.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville?
Among the 32 orthopedic surgeons in Knoxville, Dr. Smith ranks #28 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. Smith practices?
Parkwest Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Starr Regional Medical Center Athens (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Fort Loudon Medical Center (5 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 Knoxville, Tennessee
Dr. Smith's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Knoxville average of 173. 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.