Brandon Cincere, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Chattanooga who specializes in knee, shoulder, and hip procedures, with a focus on arthroscopic and joint reconstruction surgery. He practices within an established local medical system and accepts most major insurance plans, making him one of several board-certified orthopedists available to Chattanooga residents for sports injuries, degenerative joint disease, and surgical intervention.
Cincere provides surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care, primarily for patients with knee, shoulder, and hip conditions. His practice operates as part of the broader Chattanooga orthopedic surgeon network and serves both acute injuries (torn ligaments, fractures) and chronic conditions (arthritis, rotator cuff disease). As a surgeon, he can perform arthroscopic procedures, which are minimally invasive alternatives to open surgery, and full joint reconstruction when necessary. Patients may see him for initial diagnosis and conservative treatment recommendations or be referred to him by primary care doctors or urgent care providers for surgical evaluation.
Initial consultation with Cincere typically includes imaging review (X-rays or MRI ordered by your primary care doctor beforehand) and a physical examination to determine whether conservative treatment, physical therapy, or surgery is appropriate. Many patients start with non-surgical options: rest, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, or physical therapy before any decision to operate is made.
Surgical costs vary significantly by procedure and insurance plan. Arthroscopic knee surgery (such as meniscus repair or ACL reconstruction) generally ranges from $15,000 to $35,000 in out-of-pocket costs depending on your deductible and insurance coverage; confirm your specific plan details with the surgical center before scheduling. Rotator cuff repair and hip arthroscopy fall in similar ranges. Physical therapy following surgery is typically 6 to 12 weeks and may be covered by insurance at 70 to 90 percent depending on your plan. Request an estimate from the billing department after your initial consultation to understand your likely cost responsibility.
Chattanooga has multiple board-certified orthopedic surgeons, including providers at Erlanger Health System and private surgical centers. Cincere is one option among several; others in the area include surgeons affiliated with major health systems who may offer similar services but may differ in appointment availability, insurance network participation, and surgical facility access. Some Chattanooga orthopedists emphasize sports medicine (more specialized for athletes), while others take a broader surgical approach. Before booking, verify that Cincere's practice accepts your insurance and that your primary care doctor can refer you directly without a delay.
If your priority is an appointment within two weeks, call ahead: wait times for orthopedic surgery consultations in Chattanooga often run four to eight weeks during peak seasons. If you need faster access for an acute injury, urgent care can provide imaging and initial stabilization while you wait for a surgeon consultation.
Cincere is appropriate for Chattanooga residents with knee, shoulder, or hip injuries or degenerative conditions who have insurance and can wait two to six weeks for a consultation. This includes athletes with ACL tears, middle-aged adults with rotator cuff damage, and older patients with arthritis considering joint replacement. Patients without insurance or those seeking immediate same-day surgical evaluation are better served by contacting Erlanger's orthopedic urgent care or a regional surgical center that accommodates self-pay patients. If you have a simple fracture or soft-tissue strain that does not require surgery, your primary care doctor can often manage treatment without an orthopedic referral, saving time and cost.
You will need a referral from your primary care doctor or urgent care provider; call Cincere's office with your insurance information and condition to verify a referral is on file. Bring imaging (X-rays, MRI films) if you have had any done. At the visit, Cincere will examine the injured joint, review your imaging, and discuss options: no surgery with physical therapy, minimally invasive arthroscopy, or open reconstruction. He will explain recovery timelines (arthroscopic surgery often means return to light activity in 2 to 4 weeks; full recovery can take months). If surgery is recommended, the office will schedule you at an affiliated surgical center and provide pre-op instructions.
Cincere's office hours and parking vary by location; most orthopedic practices in Chattanooga operate 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Confirm specific hours and whether the surgical facility is on-site or at a separate center when you call for your appointment. Parking is usually available at surgical centers without charge. Allow one hour for your first visit.
Brandon Cincere fills a defined role in Chattanooga's orthopedic care network for patients needing surgery or specialized joint evaluation, with access determined primarily by insurance, referral timing, and your specific condition.
