Dr. John Harkess, M.D.
Contact & Location
941-792-1404
Bradenton, FL 34212
About Dr. Harkess
Dr. John Harkess is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bradenton, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Harkess performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#165 in Florida) and 38 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 78 procedures.
In Florida, Dr. Harkess performs near the state average in knee (40 vs 48), near the state average in hip (38 vs 40).
Dr. Harkess's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (40 cases) and hip replacements (38 cases).
Bradenton is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bradenton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Harkess's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2016. Volume peaked at 135 procedures in 2023 before settling at 78 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Harkess's 40 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 23 | 27 |
| 2017 | 20 | 47 |
| 2018 | 15 | 18 |
| 2019 | 25 | 33 |
| 2020 | 29 | 26 |
| 2021 | 21 | 39 |
| 2022 | 49 | 49 |
| 2023 | 67 | 68 |
| 2024 | 38 | 40 |
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. Harkess Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Harkess's recorded volume peaked at 135 procedures in 2023 and stood at 78 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Harkess
How does Dr. Harkess's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Harkess has performed 78 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Florida average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Harkess ranks #170 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Harkess perform?
Dr. Harkess's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases) and hip replacement (38 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Harkess in Bradenton?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bradenton 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 Florida surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Harkess 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. Harkess's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 78 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Harkess's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Harkess's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 135 procedures in 2023 and was 78 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Harkess perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Harkess's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (38 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Harkess affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Harkess is affiliated with Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Hca Florida Blake Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Harkess compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bradenton?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bradenton, Dr. Harkess ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bradenton has 260 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Harkess practices?
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hca Florida Blake Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Manatee Memorial Hospital (2 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 Bradenton, Florida
Dr. Harkess's 78 Medicare procedures are below the Bradenton average of 142. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bradenton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alan Valadie | 260 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Cashen | 207 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Otte | 128 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Daniel Lamar | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Avinash Kumar | 108 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Joshua Greenspoon | 106 | Hip, 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.