Dr. Tony Smitherman, M.D.
Dr. Tony Smitherman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Smitherman has performed 98 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#40 in Texas) and 17 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 115 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Smitherman performs well above average in knee (98 vs 41 avg), below average in shoulder (17 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Smitherman's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 85% of reported Medicare volume.
Lubbock is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lubbock area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Smitherman's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 257 procedures in 2017 before settling at 115 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smitherman's 98 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Smitherman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
Lubbock, TX 79416
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smitherman's recorded volume peaked at 257 procedures in 2017 and stood at 115 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Smitherman
How does Dr. Smitherman's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Smitherman has performed 115 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Texas average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smitherman ranks #64 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smitherman perform?
Dr. Smitherman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (98 cases) and shoulder replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smitherman in Lubbock?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock 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. Smitherman 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. Smitherman's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 115 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smitherman's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smitherman's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 257 procedures in 2017 and was 115 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. Smitherman perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smitherman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (98 cases), shoulder replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Smitherman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Lubbock, Dr. Smitherman ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Smitherman is among the highest-volume surgeons in Lubbock.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Lubbock, Texas
Dr. Smitherman's 115 Medicare procedures are above the Lubbock average of 109. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lubbock.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Shephard | 258 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jordan Simpson | 156 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Blue | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Austin McPhilamy | 60 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Wilson | 60 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Atul Joshi | 56 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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