Dr. Ying-Ying Kao, MD
Dr. Ying-Ying Kao is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Atlanta, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Kao has performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#136 in Georgia) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 35 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Kao performs below average in knee (21 vs 40 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Kao's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (21 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Atlanta is home to 29 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Atlanta area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kao extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 22 to 35 in the most recent data, a 59% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kao's 21 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. Kao Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Contact & Location
Atlanta, GA 30342
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kao's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 59% from 22 procedures in 2017 to 35 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.
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 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. Kao
How does Dr. Kao's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Kao has performed 35 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Georgia average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kao ranks #136 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kao perform?
Dr. Kao's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kao in Atlanta?
Yes. There are 29 orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta 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. Kao 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. Kao's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kao's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kao's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 22 procedures in 2017 to 35 in the most recent data, a 59% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 55 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Kao perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kao's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kao affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kao is affiliated with Saint Joseph'S Hospital Of Atlanta, Inc, Northside Hospital.
How does Dr. Kao compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta?
Among the 29 orthopedic surgeons in Atlanta, Dr. Kao ranks #21 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Atlanta has 266 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kao practices?
Saint Joseph'S Hospital Of Atlanta, Inc (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Northside Hospital (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 Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Kao's 35 Medicare procedures are below the Atlanta average of 145. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Atlanta.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Hanna | 266 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Smith | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Bradbury | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Greg Erens | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Peretz | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Oren Goltzer | 112 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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