Dr. Christopher Smith, MD
Contact & Location
Houston, TX 77094
Dr. Christopher Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Houston, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Smith has performed 75 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#63 in Texas) and 34 hip replacements, for a combined total of 109 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Smith performs above average in knee (75 vs 42 avg), near average in hip (34 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Smith's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (75 cases) and hip replacements (34 cases).
Houston is home to 52 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Houston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Smith extend back to 2014, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 109 in the most recent data, a 891% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smith's 75 verified procedures is above 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. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 891% from 11 procedures in 2014 to 109 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 Texas surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 109 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #74 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases) and hip replacement (34 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Houston?
Yes. There are 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston 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 Texas 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 109 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2014 to 109 in the most recent data, a 891% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 109 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases), hip replacement (34 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Houston Methodist West Hospital, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Houston?
Among the 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Smith ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Houston has 340 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith practices?
Houston Methodist West Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars); Houston Methodist Hospital (5 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 Houston, Texas
Dr. Smith's 109 Medicare procedures are below the Houston average of 181. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Houston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stefan Kreuzer | 340 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasilios Mathews | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Stocks | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robin Goytia | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ugonna Ihekweazu | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jay Croley | 133 | 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.