Dr. Matthew Handling, M.D.
Contact & Location
302-731-2888
Newark, DE 19713
About Dr. Handling
Dr. Matthew Handling is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Newark, Delaware. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Handling performed 25 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #21 in Delaware.
In Delaware, Dr. Handling performs below the state average in knee (25 vs 75).
Dr. Handling's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 25 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.
Newark is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Newark area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Handling extend back to 2014, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 25 in the most recent data, a 108% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Handling's 25 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 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 25 |
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. Handling Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Delaware state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Handling's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 108% from 12 procedures in 2014 to 25 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. Handling
How does Dr. Handling's procedure volume compare to other Delaware surgeons?
Dr. Handling has performed 25 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Delaware average is 101 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Handling ranks #26 out of 31 orthopedic surgeons in Delaware.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Handling perform?
Dr. Handling's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 25 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Handling in Newark?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Newark 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. Handling 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. Handling's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Handling's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Handling's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2014 to 25 in the most recent data, a 108% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 27 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Handling affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Handling is affiliated with Christianacare, Bayhealth Medical Center, Kent Campus, Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus.
How does Dr. Handling compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Newark?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Newark, Dr. Handling ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Newark has 141 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Handling 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 Newark, Delaware
Dr. Handling's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Newark average of 93. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Newark.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alex Bodenstab | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Drew Brady | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremie Axe | 113 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Eric Johnson | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Costanzo | 91 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Evan Crain | 60 | 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.