Dr. Bradley Sparks, MD
Contact & Location
907-563-3145
Anchorage, AK 99508
About Dr. Sparks
Dr. Bradley Sparks is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Anchorage, Alaska. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Sparks performed 196 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#1 in Alaska) and 17 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 213 procedures.
In Alaska, Dr. Sparks performs well above the state average in knee (196 vs 45), below the state average in shoulder (17 vs 24).
Dr. Sparks's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 92% of reported Medicare volume.
Anchorage is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Anchorage area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Sparks extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 46 to 213 in the most recent data, a 363% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sparks's 196 verified procedures is more than 4x the national average of 45, ranking #64 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 11 | 22 | 13 |
| 2016 | 11 | 18 | 15 |
| 2017 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 13 | 12 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| 2021 | 0 | 35 | 26 |
| 2022 | 0 | 39 | 17 |
| 2023 | 0 | 45 | 19 |
| 2024 | 0 | 196 | 17 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Sparks Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alaska state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sparks's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 363% from 46 procedures in 2015 to 213 in the most recent data.
Hospital Affiliations & Quality
Quality ratings and complication rates are hospital-level metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon performance. Star ratings updated quarterly. Complication data covers a rolling 3-year period.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Sparks
How does Dr. Sparks's procedure volume compare to other Alaska surgeons?
Dr. Sparks has performed 213 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Alaska average of 67 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sparks ranks #2 out of 27 orthopedic surgeons in Alaska.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sparks perform?
Dr. Sparks's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (196 cases) and shoulder replacement (17 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Sparks with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Sparks ranks #1 in Alaska for knee replacement with 196 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 27 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sparks in Anchorage?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Alaska surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Sparks represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Sparks's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 213 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sparks's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sparks's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 46 procedures in 2015 to 213 in the most recent data, a 363% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 213 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Sparks perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sparks's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (196 cases), shoulder replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sparks affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sparks is affiliated with Alaska Regional Hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Central Peninsula General Hospital, South Peninsula Hospital, Providence Valdez Medical Center.
How does Dr. Sparks compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage, Dr. Sparks ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Sparks is among the highest-volume surgeons in Anchorage.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sparks practices?
Alaska Regional Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Providence Alaska Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Central Peninsula General Hospital (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Anchorage, Alaska
Dr. Sparks's 213 Medicare procedures are above the Anchorage average of 144. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Anchorage.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryan Haughom | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Douglas Prevost | 165 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Paynter | 140 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tucker Drury | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ian Brimhall | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Elisha Powell | 67 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.