Jemison D Marshall MD in Chattanooga: An Orthopedist for Sports Medicine and Joint Injury
Jemison D Marshall MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Chattanooga focusing on sports medicine and joint injuries. He works with patients seeking treatment for ligament tears, cartilage damage, and other injuries common to active individuals and those recovering from trauma.
What the practice actually is
Marshall is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon whose practice centers on the diagnosis and surgical management of sports-related injuries and general orthopedic conditions affecting the knee, shoulder, ankle, and other joints. His training includes both operative and non-operative treatment pathways, meaning he will typically attempt conservative management first (physical therapy, injections, bracing) before recommending surgery. This approach reduces unnecessary procedures and aligns with current orthopedic standards.
Services and typical approach
Marshall offers consultation for new injuries, post-injury assessment, and treatment planning. Patients with acute sprains, strains, and tears often begin with imaging (X-ray or MRI) and physical examination. If conservative care is appropriate, he may recommend a supervised therapy plan. Surgical intervention (arthroscopy or open repair) is pursued when conservative measures fail or when the injury requires immediate operative stabilization.
Specific pricing for orthopedic surgery varies by procedure and insurance coverage; a typical new-patient consultation in the Chattanooga area ranges from $150 to $300 out-of-pocket depending on your plan. Surgical procedures such as ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair often carry facility and surgeon fees totaling $15,000 to $35,000 before insurance, though actual patient cost depends entirely on deductible and coverage limits. Always contact the office to confirm fees and insurance acceptance before scheduling.
How Marshall compares to other Chattanooga orthopedists
Chattanooga has several board-certified orthopedic surgeons, including those affiliated with larger systems like Erlanger and Parkridge. Marshall's sports medicine focus makes him a natural referral point for active patients and athletes with ligament or cartilage injuries. Surgeons with broader general orthopedic practices (hip and knee arthroplasty, spine surgery, hand surgery) may have longer wait times for sports medicine issues. If your injury involves the spine, hand surgery, or joint replacement for arthritis, a general orthopedist or specialized hand surgeon may be more efficient. For acute sports injuries and joint instability, Marshall's specialization often means more targeted expertise and potentially faster access to sports-specific treatment protocols.
Who this practice suits and does not suit
Marshall is a strong fit for athletes, weekend recreational players, and anyone with acute ligament or cartilage injury who wants conservative care attempted before surgery. Patients with shoulder instability, ACL/MCL tears, rotator cuff injuries, and ankle sprains benefit from his diagnostic and operative skill. Those with chronic degenerative joint disease may benefit from his care, though some prefer to start with a primary care physician or a general orthopedist with an explicit focus on arthritis management and joint replacement.
The practice is not appropriate for patients who have not yet seen a primary care physician or those seeking a non-surgical specialist alone; Marshall is a surgeon, not a physical therapist or non-operative orthopedist. If you are looking exclusively for conservative management without surgical consultation, ask during the phone call whether the appointment will include both assessment and treatment planning, or whether you should first consult another provider.
What the first visit involves
The initial appointment includes a detailed injury history, physical examination of the affected joint, and review of any prior imaging. Marshall will likely assess your range of motion, stability, and pain response to specific movement tests. If imaging is needed and not already in hand, it will be ordered at this time. You should expect the consultation to last 30 to 45 minutes. If you have prior MRI or X-ray images, bring them on a CD or have them transferred to the office before your visit; this speeds diagnosis and avoids duplicate imaging.
Hours, location, and logistics
Verify current hours and parking directly with the office, as orthopedic practices often have variable schedules based on surgical commitments. Chattanooga offices typically offer weekday appointments with limited weekend availability. Most orthopedic practices are located in medical office parks with ample parking; confirm accessibility if you have mobility restrictions.
Marshall's expertise in sports medicine and joint injury diagnosis makes him a reliable resource for Chattanooga's active population and anyone with a significant ligament or cartilage problem requiring expert surgical guidance or conservative management oversight.
