About

Kathryn J. McCarthy, M.D., is an orthopedic spine surgeon with Norton Leatherman Spine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine, Feyetteville and completed her residency at Northwestern McGaw Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois and a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery with Norton Leatherman Spine in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. McCarthy provides a balance of the latest minimally invasive techniques with her compassion and expertise for treating degenerative conditions and trauma of the spine in adults and scoliosis in adolescents. She is an active member in several national professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Scoliosis Research Society. Outside of work, Dr. McCarthy enjoys spending time with her husband, Bryan, and four small children. She also enjoys mentoring young professionals interested in medicine as a career and volunteering in the community.

Locations



Expertise

Education

  • Leatherman Spine Fellowship Program

    Fellowship, Spinal Surgery, 2012

  • Northwestern University

    Residency, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2011

  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine

    Medical Education, Doctor of Medicine, 2006


Age Groups Seen

Age Groups Seen
Adults
Languages
English
Gender
Female

Reviews

4.90 out of 5 4.9 of 5 stars — 168 Ratings, 51 Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Provider explained things clearly 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider listened carefully 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider gave easy to understand instruction 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider knew important medical history 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider showed respect for what you said 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider spent enough time with you 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider Rating 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider explained things clearly 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider showed concern 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider included you in decisions 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Likelihood of recommending this provider 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)
Provider discussed treatment options 4.90 out of 5 (4.9)

4.20 out of 5 4.2 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/09/2026

Too far from home, otherwise good experience.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 06/09/2026

She is the best doctor I know and her pa/np reminds me alot of her. They were both perfect.

4.80 out of 5 4.8 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/28/2026

GOOD

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/22/2026

Would recommend my dr to everyone

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 05/04/2026

Dr. McCarthy is wonderful; she listens and demonstrates compassion and caring.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 04/25/2026

Very thorough, took the time to explain what was going on with my issue.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 04/22/2026

Thank you for your concerns and your help. Also thank you for believing and trusting me.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 04/17/2026

Dr. McCarthy spent time going over the results of my MRI, showing me the issues and discussing her plan for my care.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/31/2026

We love Dr Mc Carthy and her team! She's an incredible surgeon and an even better person!!! Highly recommend!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/31/2026

I was very nervous and scared , but she explained the best things that they would do for me and i'm still scared but i'm at ease

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/30/2026

We think highly of Dr. McCarthy!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/19/2026

Dr McCarthy is great

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/16/2026

Dr. McCarthy was the most professional, and considerate surgeon that I have ever encountered during my lifetime of spine issues. She gave me hope! I will recommend.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 03/07/2026

Really appreciated Dr. McCarthy and the time she gave me.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/07/2026

Dr McCarthy is the best!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 02/04/2026

Dr McCarthy is the best

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/30/2026

She is a fantastic doctor.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/22/2026

Dr McCarthy and staff was exceptional with my care and any questions I had. They listened to my questions and acknowledge any concerns I had since my surgery with range of motion. They took the time to explain answers and go over their recommendations for future treatment and healing. I am grateful I chose Dr McCarthy and staff for my care.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/21/2026

Dr McCarthy is the BEST

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/13/2026

She is a very good dr

4.94 out of 5 4.9 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/09/2026

She seems to really care about my medical problems and tries to find the best solution possible.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/07/2026

Excellent Dr. Spends time with her patients going over. Important details. Good teaching skills. Personable. Very aware of my history and issues. Would recommend highly.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/03/2026

I think Dr. McCarthy is the best!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 01/03/2026

Dr. Mccarthy is the most thorough Dr. I have ever seen. Always positive and concerned about my health. I wish all Dr's put as much effort in healing their patients. Dr. Mccarthy is truly the best Dr I have ever dealt with.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 12/21/2025

Love her!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 12/17/2025

Open, honest, congenial, and knowledgeable

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 12/13/2025

Dr McCarthy restored my mobility and physical comfort level. She will forever hold a special place in my life as an exceptional surgeon, provider and personal hero

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 12/11/2025

Dr. McCarthy went out of her way calling other doctors for information of how to help me. She is a very positive doctor, intelligent and very very caring person

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/28/2025

I truly felt heard and cared for in all ways. Not only did she listen to my questions and concerns, I left my appointment fully trusting Dr. McCarthy had my best interests at heart. Physically and mentally.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/27/2025

Pleased with Dr. McCarthy's friendliness and professional demeanor.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/20/2025

Dr spent time at every app to hear my concerns and talk thru them with me. Was able to help me get an answer for my pain& help solve my medical need.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/19/2025

Dr McCarthy is an excellent doctor and a kind and compassionate person. I feel blessed to have her as my doctor.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/10/2025

En mi opinion la doctora es una excelente profesional ,muy preocupada por sus pacientes,muy amable, siempre dispuesta a escuchar y darle solucion a cada problema, estoy muy feliz de ser su paciente y muy agradecido porque ella me devolvio la sonrisa despues de la operacion. Gracias doctora!!!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/08/2025

Dr. McCarthy and staff were very friendly and easy to talk to.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 11/05/2025

Very carrying and understanding. She provided me with a clear understanding of my problems going on and told me all my options. I would rate her at the top of doctors who I would choose for my spine.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/30/2025

The whole experience was wonderful. Felt heard and trusted them.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/30/2025

Dr. McCarthy is a rare find these days. She listened, went over my tests and as a team came up with a plan. She is a very smart doctor.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/28/2025

She didn't sugarcoat the information. She was straight to the point. She gave me all the options. Extremely helpful!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/28/2025

Excellent communication with high levels of compassion and expertise.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/21/2025

Dr. McCarthy is the best care provider I have ever had. If she ever leaves Norton and relocates within the US, I will travel to wherever she is if I need another surgery. That is how much I love and trust her!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/21/2025

Dr McCarthy is wonderful! Very happy to have her helping me through a very difficult situation.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/05/2025

Dr McCarthy is the BEST

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 10/05/2025

She's honest, so careing and concerned about my overall health condition physcially and mentally. She listens to me and gives me her fulll attention and makes sure I get my questions answered while keeping our visit relaxed and upbeat. I love how she keeps me involved and part of the decision making as she laying our pros and cons and together we made a plan. I am so lucky to be under her care...

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/30/2025

I feel very comfortable with her and trust what she tells me. And how she explains everything.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/29/2025

Dr. McCarthy was knowledgeable, respectful, and informative. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a spine surgeon.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/27/2025

I do not mind waiting for Dr. McCarthy. She always sits down and takes time with me. She answers all my questions . I would rather have that , than someone who rushes in and rushes out , trying to stay on time.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/18/2025

She was extremely professional, knowledgeable, attentive, & patient oriented. I was very impressed with Dr. McCarthy!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 09/12/2025

Dr McCarthy had very good news for me and I really appreciate the knowledge she has.

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/31/2025

Love her!

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/27/2025

I really would like to Thank Mrs.McCharthyShe did a helluva job on my lower back fusion Surgery

5.00 out of 5 5.0 out of 5

Reviewed on 08/20/2025

Very friendly, knew what she was talking about, answered all of my questions ,


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna Better Health
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage
  • Ambetter from MHS
  • Ambetter from WellCare of Kentucky
  • Anthem
  • Anthem Kentucky Medicaid
  • Anthem MediBlue HMO/PPO
  • Anthem Pathway
  • Anthem Pathway Transition
  • CareSource Indiana Medicaid
  • CareSource Marketplace Kentucky and Indiana
  • Cigna
  • CorVel
  • Coventry
  • Encore
  • Essence
  • First Health Group Corp. (First Health)
  • UofL Health – Frazier Rehabilitation Institute
  • HealthSmart
  • Hosparus
  • Humana Medicare
  • Humana Medicaid
  • Indiana Medicaid
  • Indiana Medicare
  • Indiana Health Network
  • Kentucky Medicaid
  • Kentucky Medicare
  • MDwise
  • MHS
  • Molina Healthcare
  • MultiPlan
  • Passport Health Plan Kentucky MCO
  • Passport Marketplace
  • Provider Net/OMCA
  • Sagamore
  • Signature Advantage
  • SIHO
  • TRICARE Humana Military
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Community Plan Indiana and Kentucky
  • United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
  • Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • WellCare
  • WellCare of Kentucky Medicaid (Kentucky MCO)
  • WellCare Medicare
  • Wellpath
  • Workers’ Compensation
Need Care Now?
Immediate Care

For non-life threatening injury or illness. X-ray and rapid testing available (all ages).

Reserve Your Spot
eCare

Virtual visits for minor illnesses or health concerns (2 years and older).

Start an Online Visit
Norton Prompt Care

For sick visits, sports/ camp physicals, vaccine and more (12 months and older).

Choose an Appointment