Robert A. Beasley, MD in Chattanooga: Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
Robert A. Beasley, MD is an orthopedic surgeon based in Chattanooga who specializes in sports medicine and general orthopedic conditions. His practice serves patients with joint injuries, fractures, degenerative conditions, and athletic injuries across the greater Chattanooga area.
What this practice actually is
Dr. Beasley operates as an individual orthopedic provider rather than as part of a large health system or multi-location group. His scope covers both surgical and nonsurgical orthopedic treatment, with particular focus on sports medicine cases. For Chattanooga residents seeking orthopedic care, the choice between a solo practice and a hospital-affiliated or group-based surgeon matters: solo practitioners often offer shorter appointment wait times and continuity with a single surgeon, though a group practice may provide faster access to physical therapy, imaging, and surgical facilities in one location.
Services and typical approach
Orthopedic practices in Chattanooga generally address knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and spine injuries through initial evaluation, imaging, injections, physical therapy referral, and surgery when conservative treatment fails. Dr. Beasley's sports medicine background means his practice likely handles athletic injuries and overuse conditions commonly seen in active Chattanooga residents and visiting athletes. Pricing for an initial orthopedic consultation typically ranges from $150 to $300 before insurance; follow-up visits are usually $100 to $200. Injections (steroid or platelet-rich plasma) cost $300 to $1,000 depending on the joint and injection type. Surgical costs are highly variable and depend on the specific procedure and facility; confirm costs with your insurance and Dr. Beasley's office, as facility fees often exceed the surgeon's fee substantially.
How it compares to other Chattanooga orthopedic options
Chattanooga has several orthopedic practices ranging from solo surgeons to large groups like those affiliated with Erlanger Health System and CHI Memorial. A solo practice such as Dr. Beasley's typically offers more direct communication with your surgeon and shorter wait times for new-patient appointments (often two to four weeks rather than six to eight). Group practices and hospital-affiliated surgeons provide on-site surgical facilities, integrated physical therapy, and access to multiple specialists if your condition requires a second opinion. For patients with straightforward sports injuries or acute joint problems who prefer continuity with one surgeon, a solo sports medicine practice is efficient; for complex spinal surgery or cases requiring coordination across multiple specialties, an affiliated group may streamline care.
Who this suits and who it doesn't
Dr. Beasley's sports medicine specialty makes the practice well-suited for athletes, active individuals, and patients with acute injuries (torn ligaments, fractures, tendon injuries). Patients with degenerative joint disease, arthritis, and chronic pain also benefit from sports medicine evaluation, as the field overlaps significantly with general orthopedics. The practice is less appropriate for patients needing same-day or emergency orthopedic care; urgent fractures or dislocations should go to an emergency department at Erlanger or CHI Memorial rather than a scheduled office practice. Patients seeking a large surgical center with multiple operating rooms and a dedicated surgical recovery unit may find a hospital-based group more convenient than arranging outside surgical facilities.
What the first visit involves
An initial orthopedic consultation typically includes a detailed history of the injury or condition, a physical examination, and often imaging if not already done (X-ray or MRI). Dr. Beasley will assess whether your condition needs surgery, can be managed with physical therapy and injections, or requires specialist referral. Bring insurance cards, a list of current medications, and any previous imaging or medical records related to the injury. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a new-patient appointment.
Hours, location, and logistics
Verify current hours and location directly with Dr. Beasley's office, as office hours and location details change periodically. Most orthopedic offices in Chattanooga operate Monday through Friday, roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited or no Saturday hours. Parking is typically available at private medical office locations; confirm accessibility and lot size when scheduling if mobility is a concern. Referrals are generally not required to see an orthopedic surgeon in Chattanooga, though your insurance may require prior authorization for surgery.
A sports medicine practice with direct access to the surgeon and focused expertise in athletic injuries offers Chattanooga patients a streamlined path from acute injury to return to activity. Dr. Beasley's solo practice structure suits patients who value continuity and shorter appointment delays over the integrated facility resources of a larger group.
