#46 Hip
#88 Knee

Dr. John Harkess, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
135 procedures 3 hospitals Bradenton, FL
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 67 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 68 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. John Harkess is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bradenton, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Harkess has performed 68 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#88 in Florida) and 67 hip replacements, for a combined total of 135 procedures.

In Florida, Dr. Harkess performs above average in knee (68 vs 49 avg), above average in hip (67 vs 39 avg).

Dr. Harkess's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (68 cases) and hip replacements (67 cases).

Bradenton is home to 10 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.

Medicare records for Dr. Harkess extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 135 in the most recent data, a 170% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Harkess's 68 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
68 verified cases
#88 in Florida
Hip Replacement
67 verified cases
#46 in Florida
Estimated total: 360 – 410 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Hip High
67 Avg: 39
Knee High
68 Avg: 49
Dr. Harkess Florida Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 941-792-1404
8000 Sr 64 E
Bradenton, FL 34212
NPI: 1316237183
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
15 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Harkess's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 170% from 50 procedures in 2016 to 135 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 8
2023 Volume 135
Peak Volume 135 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
★★★★☆
Bradenton, FL
Similar to national avg
H
Hca Florida Blake Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Bradenton, FL
Similar to national avg
H
Manatee Memorial Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Bradenton, FL
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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 135 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Florida average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Harkess ranks #72 out of 509 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Harkess perform?

Dr. Harkess's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (68 cases) and hip replacement (67 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Harkess in Bradenton?

Yes. There are 10 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 135 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Harkess's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Harkess's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2016 to 135 in the most recent data, a 170% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 135 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Harkess perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Harkess's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (68 cases), hip replacement (67 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 10 orthopedic surgeons in Bradenton, Dr. Harkess ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Harkess is among the highest-volume surgeons in Bradenton.

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 135 Medicare procedures are above the Bradenton average of 133. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bradenton.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Alan Valadie 241 Hip, Knee
Dr. David Cashen 201 Hip, Knee
Dr. Daniel Lamar 115 Hip, Knee
Dr. Robert Otte 100 Shoulder
Dr. Avinash Kumar 74 Shoulder
Dr. Brendon Connolly 62 Hip, Knee, 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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. John Harkess, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-john-harkess-bradenton.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-john-harkess-bradenton.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.