Dr. Randall Ruark, M.D.
Contact & Location
706-324-6661
Columbus, GA 31909
Auburn, AL 36832
Dothan, AL 36303
Macon, GA 31210
Lagrange, GA 30241
Dr. Ruark performs more knee replacement procedures than 85% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #29 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Ruark
Practice. Dr. Randall Ruark is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 63 knee replacements and 59 hip replacements, 122 procedures in all. That is #29 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 66 procedures a year to 122, up 85%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 63 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Columbus has 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Ruark also holds hospital privileges in AL and GA, a practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 29 | 37 |
| 2016 | 60 | 85 |
| 2017 | 80 | 86 |
| 2018 | 85 | 94 |
| 2019 | 64 | 83 |
| 2020 | 59 | 79 |
| 2021 | 69 | 71 |
| 2022 | 46 | 73 |
| 2023 | 61 | 75 |
| 2024 | 59 | 63 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Ruark Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ruark's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 85% from 66 procedures in 2015 to 122 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Ruark
How does Dr. Ruark's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Ruark has performed 122 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ruark ranks #22 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ruark perform?
Dr. Ruark's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (63 cases) and hip replacement (59 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ruark in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ruark 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Ruark's total volume across all insurers at roughly 400 to 510 procedures against the 122 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. Ruark's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ruark's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 66 procedures in 2015 to 122 in the most recent data, a 85% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 179 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Ruark perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ruark's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (63 cases), hip replacement (59 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ruark affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ruark is affiliated with Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside, Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown, Miller County Hospital, East Alabama Medical Center. Dr. Ruark maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Ruark compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Ruark ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ruark is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbus.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ruark practices?
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown (1 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Ruark's 122 Medicare procedures are above the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garland Gudger | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Fernicola | 95 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Waldrop | 42 | 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.