48,841
Orthopedic Surgeons
100%
Accepting patients
83%
Most common: MD
FindClarity lists 48,841 orthopedic surgeons nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is MD (83%). 69% accept Medicare.
Orthopedic surgeons (also called orthopedists) specialize in the musculoskeletal system: bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They treat fractures, sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and degenerative joint conditions. Despite the name, not all orthopedists operate; many focus on non-surgical treatments first.
After medical school, orthopedic surgeons complete a five-year residency, one of the longest in medicine. Many then pursue one-year fellowships in subspecialties like sports medicine, joint replacement, spine surgery, hand surgery, or pediatric orthopedics.
If you have a musculoskeletal problem that is not improving with rest and basic treatment, an orthopedist can diagnose the issue accurately and offer a full range of options, from physical therapy and injections to minimally invasive surgery or joint replacement.
See an orthopedist for persistent joint pain, sports injuries (torn ACL, meniscus tears, rotator cuff), fractures, back or neck pain that is not improving, carpal tunnel symptoms, arthritis limiting your daily activities, or a musculoskeletal injury that has not responded to initial treatment from your primary care doctor.
The first visit includes a physical exam of the affected area, range-of-motion testing, and imaging review (bring any existing X-rays or MRI results). The orthopedist may order additional imaging. They will explain the diagnosis and discuss treatment options, starting with conservative approaches (therapy, bracing, injections) before considering surgery.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · MRI: $500-3,000 · Cortisone injection: $100-300 · Knee replacement: $20,000-50,000
No. Most orthopedists start with conservative treatments: physical therapy, medication, bracing, or injections. Surgery is typically recommended only when non-surgical options have been exhausted or the condition clearly requires it (like a displaced fracture or complete ligament tear). Get a clear understanding of all options before agreeing to surgery.
Orthopedic surgeons can perform surgery; sports medicine doctors (who may come from family medicine, emergency medicine, or internal medicine backgrounds) focus on non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Some orthopedists subspecialize in sports medicine, combining surgical capability with sports injury expertise.
Most patients are walking with assistance within a day of surgery. Full recovery takes three to six months, with physical therapy starting almost immediately. Many patients return to low-impact activities like walking and swimming within weeks. Driving is typically possible at four to six weeks.
For acute back pain without injury, either can be a reasonable first step. See an orthopedist if you have radiating pain down your legs (possible nerve compression), a known spinal condition, back pain after trauma, or if symptoms have not improved after several weeks of conservative care.
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Orthopedic visits are covered as specialist visits under your medical insurance. MRIs and other imaging may require prior authorization. Physical therapy sessions are usually covered with a copay, though plans may limit the number per year. Joint replacement surgery is a major medical expense. Verify in-network status for both the surgeon and the facility.