Insurance & Paying for Your Care

As of July 1, 2024, Dr. McLawhorn opted out of the Medicare program.

This was a difficult decision made after careful consideration. Opting out does not mean that Dr. McLawhorn cannot care for Medicare patients. Rather, it means that Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cannot be used to pay for his professional services.

What this means for you if you choose to receive care from Dr. McLawhorn:

• You are responsible for paying his professional fees directly; These fees not reimbursable through any Medicare plan

• Medicare will continue to cover hospital charges, anesthesia services, imaging studies, laboratory testing, implants, medications, physical therapy, and other covered ancillary services.

• Medicare supplemental (Medigap) plans will continue to help cover eligible hospital and ancillary costs but cannot reimburse Dr. McLawhorn's professional fee.

• Some non-Medicare secondary insurance plans may reimburse a portion of the professional fee. Patients should confirm coverage directly with their insurance carrier.

Why did Dr. McLawhorn make this decision?

Over time, Medicare reimbursement for orthopedic surgery has failed to keep pace with the increasing costs of delivering high-quality, personalized care. After careful analysis, Dr. McLawhorn concluded that remaining outside the Medicare system was the best way to preserve the level of access, service, availability, and individualized attention his patients have come to expect.

Importantly, opting out allows Dr. McLawhorn to continue caring for Medicare beneficiaries while maintaining the resources, staff, technology, and patient-centered approach that are central to his practice.