Dr. Erick Kawakita, M.D.
Dr. Erick Kawakita is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Champaign, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Kawakita has performed 74 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#60 in Illinois) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 88 procedures.
In Illinois, Dr. Kawakita performs above average in knee (74 vs 51 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Kawakita's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 84% of reported Medicare volume.
Champaign is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Champaign area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kawakita extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 49 to 88 in the most recent data, a 80% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kawakita's 74 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Kawakita Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Contact & Location
Champaign, IL 61821
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kawakita's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 80% from 49 procedures in 2013 to 88 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Kawakita
How does Dr. Kawakita's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Kawakita has performed 88 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Illinois average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kawakita ranks #88 out of 323 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kawakita perform?
Dr. Kawakita's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (74 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kawakita in Champaign?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Champaign 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 Illinois surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kawakita 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. Kawakita's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 88 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kawakita's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kawakita's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 49 procedures in 2013 to 88 in the most recent data, a 80% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 93 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Kawakita perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kawakita's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (74 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kawakita affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kawakita is affiliated with The Carle Foundation Hospital, Hoopeston Community Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Kawakita compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Champaign?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Champaign, Dr. Kawakita ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kawakita has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kawakita practices?
The Carle Foundation 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 Champaign, Illinois
Dr. Kawakita's 88 Medicare procedures are above the Champaign average of 58. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Champaign.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Cusick | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Edward Kolb | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Bane | 44 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Moran | 13 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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