Mark S. Sumida MD in Chattanooga: Orthopedic Care Focused on Knee and Shoulder Surgery

Mark S. Sumida MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Chattanooga whose practice centers on knee and shoulder procedures, serving patients across Hamilton County and surrounding areas who need surgical and non-surgical orthopedic treatment.

What Sumida actually does

Sumida is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a narrower scope than many large orthopedic groups in Chattanooga. His practice does not attempt to cover the full spectrum of orthopedics (spine, trauma, sports medicine, general joint care). Instead, he concentrates on knee and shoulder pathology—common conditions like rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, meniscal damage, and arthritis in those joints. This focused approach means referral sources and patients choosing his care should expect deep expertise in those two joints rather than a general orthopedic group offering equal depth across eight specialties.

Services and surgical scope

Sumida's knee procedures include arthroscopic repair and reconstruction (ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair), arthroscopic and open rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization surgery for instability, and arthroscopic treatment of shoulder impingement. Many patients see him first for non-operative management: physical therapy protocols, corticosteroid injections, and bracing recommendations before advancing to surgery.

Pricing for orthopedic surgery varies by procedure complexity, facility, and insurance. An arthroscopic knee procedure at an outpatient surgery center in the Chattanooga area typically costs between $8,000 and $15,000 before insurance; rotator cuff repair ranges from $12,000 to $20,000 depending on tear size and repair complexity. Insurance and whether the procedure occurs at a hospital versus an outpatient center shift the patient's out-of-pocket cost significantly. Confirm current rates and your deductible and coinsurance tier with your insurance plan and Sumida's office before scheduling.

How to compare orthopedic surgeons in Chattanooga

Chattanooga has multiple large orthopedic groups (Erlanger Orthopedics, associated with the Erlanger Health System; and other regional practices) that offer broad coverage across joint types and subspecialties. Choosing between them and a focused surgeon like Sumida depends on your injury type and philosophy.

Choose a focused knee/shoulder surgeon if you have a clear diagnosis in those joints and want a physician who devotes the majority of his time to that area. Choose a large orthopedic group if you have multi-joint involvement, spine issues, complex fracture trauma, or you want same-group coordination across specialties. Large groups also tend to have more flexible appointment scheduling and multiple locations. Sumida's single focus means deeper expertise in knee and shoulder cases but less convenience if your problem involves other joints.

Insurance and referral requirements

Sumida accepts most major insurances, including those offered through employers and the Tennessee Marketplace, though plans vary by acceptance and network status. You do not strictly need a primary care referral to see an orthopedic surgeon in Tennessee as a self-referred patient, but many insurance plans offer a lower out-of-pocket cost if your primary care physician refers you first. Verify with your plan whether his office is in-network before scheduling; out-of-network costs can double your personal expense.

What the first visit involves

A new patient appointment typically includes a history and physical examination, possibly plain X-rays taken in office, and discussion of conservative versus surgical options. Sumida's approach tends toward a trial of non-operative care first for many conditions: physical therapy, bracing, and time. If imaging or advanced diagnostics (MRI) is needed, his office orders these before or shortly after that first visit. Expect the first appointment to last 45 minutes to an hour. Bring insurance cards and photo ID, a list of current medications, and any imaging (X-rays, MRI films or digital files) you've had done elsewhere.

Hours, location, and logistics

Sumida's office is located in Chattanooga; verify the current street address with his office or your insurance provider directory, as office locations occasionally change. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited or no Saturday availability. Parking is included at the office location. Appointment availability for new patients typically ranges from one to three weeks, depending on urgency and season. If you have acute severe pain, ask whether the office has an urgent slot or refer you to an emergency department.

Who suits and who does not suit this practice

Sumida suits patients with confirmed or suspected knee or shoulder pathology who prefer or benefit from seeing a surgeon who focuses exclusively on those joints. He also suits patients willing to begin with conservative care and advance to surgery only if needed. He does not suit patients seeking pediatric orthopedics, spine care, general fracture management, or foot and ankle treatment; referral to another surgeon would be necessary. Patients expecting same-day or next-day appointments or multiple office locations should explore large orthopedic groups in Chattanooga instead.

Sumida's narrow focus and consistent expertise in knee and shoulder surgery justify his place in Chattanooga's orthopedic landscape for patients whose pathology aligns with his practice.