Dr. Mark Elkus, M.D.
Contact & Location
205-939-0610
Birmingham, AL 35213
About Dr. Elkus
Dr. Mark Elkus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Birmingham, Alabama. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Elkus performed 39 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#24 in Alabama) and 19 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 58 procedures.
In Alabama, Dr. Elkus performs above the state average in knee (39 vs 32), below the state average in hip (19 vs 26).
Dr. Elkus's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (39 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Elkus holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Trauma, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Birmingham is home to 29 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Birmingham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Elkus extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 49 to 58 in the most recent data, a 18% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Elkus's 39 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 32 |
| 2014 | 12 | 22 |
| 2015 | 19 | 37 |
| 2016 | 18 | 47 |
| 2017 | 13 | 47 |
| 2018 | 17 | 28 |
| 2019 | 17 | 38 |
| 2020 | 13 | 26 |
| 2021 | 12 | 31 |
| 2022 | 16 | 32 |
| 2023 | 12 | 27 |
| 2024 | 19 | 39 |
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. Elkus Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Elkus's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 18% from 49 procedures in 2013 to 58 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. Elkus
How does Dr. Elkus's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Elkus has performed 58 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Alabama average of 44 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Elkus ranks #32 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Elkus perform?
Dr. Elkus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Elkus in Birmingham?
Yes. There are 29 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham 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 Alabama surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Elkus 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. Elkus's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 58 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Elkus's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Elkus's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 49 procedures in 2013 to 58 in the most recent data, a 18% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 65 procedures in 2016.
Does Dr. Elkus perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Elkus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases), hip replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Elkus affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Elkus is affiliated with St Vincent'S Birmingham.
How does Dr. Elkus compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham?
Among the 29 orthopedic surgeons in Birmingham, Dr. Elkus ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Birmingham has 143 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Elkus practices?
St Vincent'S Birmingham (3 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 Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Elkus's 58 Medicare procedures are below the Birmingham average of 90. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Birmingham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kenneth Moore | 143 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Worthen | 118 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jeffrey Davis | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Orr | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Adkison | 71 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Billy McGough | 62 | Knee, Shoulder |
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.