Dr. Mark Kowalski, MD
Contact & Location
520-352-1004
Sahuarita, AZ 85629
About Dr. Kowalski
Dr. Mark Kowalski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sahuarita, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Kowalski performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #102 in Arizona.
In Arizona, Dr. Kowalski performs below the state average in knee (24 vs 49).
Dr. Kowalski's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 24 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Dr. Kowalski is the only orthopedic surgeon in Sahuarita represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Kowalski extend back to 2013, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 16 to 24 in the most recent data, a 50% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kowalski's 24 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 24 |
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. Kowalski Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kowalski's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 50% from 16 procedures in 2013 to 24 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Kowalski
How does Dr. Kowalski's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Kowalski has performed 24 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kowalski ranks #145 out of 191 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kowalski perform?
Dr. Kowalski's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Kowalski's practice located?
Dr. Kowalski practices in Sahuarita, Arizona. The office is located at 16260 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd # 220, Sahuarita, AZ 85629. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Kowalski for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kowalski 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. Kowalski's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 24 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kowalski's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kowalski's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2013 to 24 in the most recent data, a 50% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 24 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kowalski affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kowalski is affiliated with Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kowalski practices?
Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). 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.