Dr. Craig Smucker, M.D.
Dr. Craig Smucker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wilmington, Delaware. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Smucker has performed 25 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#22 in Delaware) and 19 hip replacements, for a combined total of 44 procedures.
In Delaware, Dr. Smucker performs below average in knee (25 vs 69 avg), below average in hip (19 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Smucker's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (25 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Smucker holds additional credentials in Orthopaedic Trauma, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Wilmington is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wilmington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Smucker extend back to 2013, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 44 in the most recent data, a 300% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Smucker's 25 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. Smucker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Delaware state average.
Contact & Location
Wilmington, DE 19808
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smucker's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 300% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 44 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Smucker
How does Dr. Smucker's procedure volume compare to other Delaware surgeons?
Dr. Smucker has performed 44 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Delaware average is 97 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Smucker ranks #24 out of 29 orthopedic surgeons in Delaware.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smucker perform?
Dr. Smucker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smucker in Wilmington?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington 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 Delaware surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Smucker 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. Smucker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 44 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smucker's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smucker's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 44 in the most recent data, a 300% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 44 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Smucker perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smucker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases), hip replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smucker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smucker is affiliated with Christianacare, Bayhealth Medical Center, Kent Campus, Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus.
How does Dr. Smucker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Wilmington, Dr. Smucker ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Smucker is among the highest-volume surgeons in Wilmington.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smucker practices?
Christianacare (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bayhealth Medical Center, Kent Campus (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus (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 Wilmington, Delaware
Dr. Smucker's 44 Medicare procedures are below the Wilmington average of 92. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wilmington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Dellose | 257 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Galinat | 55 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Damian Andrisani | 13 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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