Dr. Steve Kwak, M.D.
Contact & Location
818-901-6600
Van Nuys, CA 91405
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Dr. Kwak performs more knee replacement procedures than 36% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #311 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Kwak
Practice. Dr. Steve Kwak is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Van Nuys, California. The latest annual CMS data records 23 knee replacements. That is #311 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 6 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 23, up 92%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Van Nuys has 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 23 |
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. 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. Kwak Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kwak's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 92% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 23 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 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kwak ranks #445 out of 613 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 23 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 7 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 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, which puts Dr. Kwak's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 100 procedures against the 23 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. Kwak's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kwak's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 23 in the most recent data, a 92% increase over 6 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, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Ctr.
How does Dr. Kwak compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Van Nuys, Dr. Kwak ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Van Nuys has 268 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); Providence Saint Joseph Medical Ctr (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 Van Nuys, California
Dr. Kwak's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Van Nuys average of 62. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Van Nuys.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jaime Hernandez | 268 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Bahk | 62 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Todd Shapiro | 34 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Evan Vellios | 18 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Mark Schamblin | 14 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Muzammil Memon | 13 | 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.