Knee
Dr. Steve Kwak, M.D.
Dr. Steve Kwak is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Van Nuys, California. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Kwak has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #365 in California.
In California, Dr. Kwak performs below average in knee (18 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Kwak's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 18 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.
Van Nuys is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Van Nuys area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kwak extend back to 2018, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 18 in the most recent data, a 50% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kwak's 18 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Kwak Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Van Nuys, CA 91405
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kwak's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 50% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 18 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. Kwak
How does Dr. Kwak's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Kwak has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kwak ranks #474 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kwak perform?
Dr. Kwak's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kwak in Van Nuys?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kwak 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. Kwak's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 18 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kwak's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kwak's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 18 in the most recent data, a 50% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 25 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kwak affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kwak is affiliated with Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
How does Dr. Kwak compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys, Dr. Kwak ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Van Nuys has 226 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kwak practices?
Northridge Hospital Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital (2 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Van Nuys, California
Dr. Kwak's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Van Nuys average of 60. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Van Nuys.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jaime Hernandez | 226 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Bahk | 66 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Abiram Bala | 39 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Hamilton | 35 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Todd Shapiro | 26 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Connor Delman | 13 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.