Spotlight practices rotate daily among the most complete profiles — nobody pays for a spotlight. Featured practices pay for their placement; it is always labeled “Featured” and shown here, separately from the directory listings and nearby practices. Neither is a recommendation or a ranking, and neither changes directory order or the facts on any profile. Nearby practices are shown by their relative location, and directory lists put the most complete profiles first — see our standards.
Spotlight · ArizonaStock photo · not the practice's
Arizona is home to 129 verified orthopedic surgeons across 16 cities, with plans like Medicare, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare widely accepted. Every listing is checked against the federal NPI registry. No paid ranking — paid placements are always labeled Featured.
Orthopedic surgeons and clinics treat conditions of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles — including sports injuries, joint replacement, spine conditions, fracture care, and arthritis. Most practices in this area integrate physical therapy and imaging for end-to-end care.
Orthopedics in Arizona — frequently asked questions
Real questions Arizona patients ask — from finding the right practice and understanding insurance to costs, visits, and when to seek care.
City Select lists 129 verified orthopedic surgeons across 16 Arizona cities. Every listing is matched against the federal National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, so you're seeing real, registered practices — not paid placements.
49 orthopedic surgeons in the directory list Medicare. Use the insurance filter to narrow by Medicare, AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid), Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more — counts update for the city you choose.
Pick your city from the search bar or filter rail to see orthopedic surgeons in that area — the directory covers Scottsdale (38), Phoenix (37), Chandler (15), Mesa (8), Gilbert (6). You can also search by practice name, doctor name, insurance, or service to build a shortlist in seconds.
Yes. Every profile is sourced from the federal NPI registry maintained by CMS, and we never sell ranking. Listing order is determined by how complete a practice's verified profile is (services, providers, insurance, hours) — never by payment. Featured and sponsored placements are always clearly labelled as such and never change the directory order, a practice's verification status, or any fact on its profile. A practice can improve its position by claiming its listing and adding information — for free.
Consider an orthopedic specialist for joint or bone pain that hasn't improved with rest, limited range of motion or stiffness, an injury that isn't healing, or trouble doing everyday activities. Seeing an orthopedist directly can save time over starting with primary care when the problem is clearly musculoskeletal.
No — despite the name, orthopedic surgeons treat most problems without an operation, using medication, injections, bracing, and physical therapy first. Surgery is recommended only when non-surgical care hasn't worked or the injury clearly requires it.
It depends on your plan. PPO and Medicare patients can usually see an orthopedist without a referral, while HMO plans typically require one from your primary care doctor. Check your plan so the visit is covered.
They often work together. An orthopedic surgeon diagnoses bone and joint problems and handles injections or surgery; a physical therapist restores movement and strength through guided exercise. For many injuries, you'll start with one and be referred to the other as part of the same recovery plan.
Orthopedists treat injuries and conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons — arthritis, fractures, sprains, ACL and rotator cuff tears, back and neck problems, carpal tunnel, and joint degeneration that may need replacement.
You'll review your symptoms and history, and the doctor will examine the area, test range of motion and strength, and often order imaging like an X-ray or MRI. From there they'll explain the diagnosis and lay out options, which usually start with non-surgical care.
Often, yes. Many joint and back problems improve with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, injections (like cortisone), and activity changes, and a good orthopedist exhausts these before considering surgery.
Joint replacement is usually considered when severe arthritis or damage causes persistent pain and disability that hasn't responded to medication, injections, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Your surgeon weighs your symptoms, imaging, and how much the joint limits your daily life — it's rarely a first step.
Most plans cover medically necessary orthopedic visits, imaging, and surgery, though some procedures need prior authorization and your costs depend on your deductible and network. It's worth confirming coverage, especially before imaging or surgery.
Yes — Medicare Part B covers medically necessary orthopedic visits and outpatient care, and Part A covers inpatient joint-replacement surgery, with you generally responsible for deductibles and a share of costs. Confirm specifics with your plan before a major procedure.
It varies by joint and person, but many people walk with assistance within a day or two, return to light activity over several weeks, and continue improving for months with physical therapy. Following your rehab plan closely is one of the biggest factors in your outcome.
Both treat musculoskeletal injuries; the difference is that sports medicine doctors often focus on non-surgical care and getting active people back to activity, while orthopedic surgeons also perform surgery. Many work side by side, and a sports medicine doctor refers to a surgeon when an operation is needed.
Yes — orthopedic spine specialists diagnose and treat back and neck problems with therapy, injections, and, when warranted, surgery. Most back pain improves with conservative care, and surgery is reserved for specific structural problems or nerve issues.
For an obvious or severe injury — a deformed limb, inability to bear weight, or significant swelling — go to urgent care or the ER first for evaluation and imaging, then follow up with an orthopedist. For nagging or chronic joint pain, booking directly with an orthopedist is the efficient route.
Bring any prior imaging (X-rays, MRIs) or reports, a list of your medications, details on how and when the injury happened, and what makes the pain better or worse. The clearer the history, the faster your orthopedist can pinpoint the problem.
Your primary care doctor can handle minor aches and an initial evaluation, but for a clear joint or bone injury, persistent musculoskeletal pain, or a problem that may need imaging, injections, or surgery, going straight to an orthopedist often saves a step. When you're unsure, your PCP can point you to the right specialist.
Orthopedics by city in Arizona
Jump straight to the verified orthopedic surgeons in each city.
Spotlight · ArizonaStock photo · not the practice's
Spotlight · ScottsdaleStock photo
Spotlight · PhoenixStock photo
Spotlight · ChandlerStock photo