Dr. Daniel Sparks, MD
Contact & Location
256-546-8127
Rainbow City, AL 35906
Jacksonville, AL 36265
Dr. Sparks performs more knee replacement procedures than 71% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #32 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Sparks
Dr. Daniel Sparks is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rainbow City, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Sparks performed 36 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#32 in Alabama) and 16 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 52 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Sparks performs near the state average in knee (36 vs 32), below the state average in hip (16 vs 26).
Dr. Sparks's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (36 cases) and hip replacements (16 cases).
Dr. Sparks is the only orthopedic surgeon in Rainbow City represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Sparks's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 29 to 70 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sparks's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 41 |
| 2014 | 0 | 37 |
| 2015 | 14 | 34 |
| 2016 | 25 | 43 |
| 2017 | 17 | 30 |
| 2018 | 23 | 47 |
| 2019 | 16 | 43 |
| 2020 | 0 | 29 |
| 2021 | 12 | 26 |
| 2022 | 22 | 30 |
| 2023 | 16 | 39 |
| 2024 | 16 | 36 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Sparks Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sparks's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 29 to 70 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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 Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Sparks has performed 52 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sparks ranks #39 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sparks perform?
Dr. Sparks's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases) and hip replacement (16 cases).
Where is Dr. Sparks's practice located?
Dr. Sparks practices in Rainbow City, Alabama. The office is located at 3102 Rainbow Dr, Rainbow City, AL 35906. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Sparks for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Sparks represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Sparks's total volume across all insurers at roughly 180 to 220 procedures against the 52 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Sparks's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sparks's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 29 to 70 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Sparks perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sparks's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases), hip replacement (16 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 Riverview Regional Medical Center, Gadsden Regional Medical Center, Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sparks practices?
Riverview Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Gadsden Regional Medical Center (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (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.
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.