Dr. Stuart Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
615-329-6600
Nashville, TN 37209
About Dr. Smith
Dr. Stuart Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Nashville, Tennessee. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Smith completed 49 knee replacements (#62 in Tennessee), 34 hip replacements, and 12 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 95 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Smith performs near the state average in knee (49 vs 46), near the state average in hip (34 vs 36), below the state average in shoulder (12 vs 32).
Dr. Smith performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (49 cases), followed by hip replacements (34) and shoulder replacements (12).
Nashville is home to 37 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Nashville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Smith's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2017 before settling at 95 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smith's 49 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 40 | 86 | 0 |
| 2014 | 44 | 70 | 0 |
| 2015 | 33 | 66 | 11 |
| 2016 | 44 | 72 | 0 |
| 2017 | 44 | 86 | 0 |
| 2018 | 42 | 58 | 12 |
| 2019 | 49 | 80 | 0 |
| 2020 | 39 | 61 | 0 |
| 2021 | 43 | 54 | 0 |
| 2022 | 39 | 66 | 0 |
| 2023 | 30 | 61 | 0 |
| 2024 | 34 | 49 | 12 |
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. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's recorded volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2017 and stood at 95 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
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 95 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Tennessee average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #47 out of 219 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (49 cases), hip replacement (34 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Nashville?
Yes. There are 37 orthopedic surgeons in Nashville 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 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. Smith's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 95 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2017 and was 95 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (49 cases), hip replacement (34 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Smith among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Nashville?
Among the 37 orthopedic surgeons in Nashville, Dr. Smith ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Nashville has 265 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith practices?
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital (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 Nashville, Tennessee
Dr. Smith's 95 Medicare procedures are below the Nashville average of 150. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Nashville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Deboer | 265 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Hodrick | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Raab | 151 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jefferson Morrison | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wesley Mayes | 125 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Carpenter | 120 | 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.