Dr. Jose Vega, MD
Contact & Location
Chicago, IL 60612
Dr. Jose Vega is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Vega has performed 12 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #70 in Illinois.
In Illinois, Dr. Vega performs below average in shoulder (12 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Vega's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 12 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Chicago is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chicago area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Vega first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Vega's 12 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Vega Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Vega
How does Dr. Vega's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Vega has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Illinois average is 69 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Vega ranks #306 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Vega perform?
Dr. Vega's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Vega in Chicago?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago 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. Vega 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. Vega's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Vega affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Vega is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Vega maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Vega compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chicago?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Chicago, Dr. Vega ranks #38 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chicago has 318 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Vega practices?
Cleveland Clinic (5 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 Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Vega's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Chicago average of 203. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chicago.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Denis Nam | 318 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasili Karas | 287 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Raju Ghate | 257 | Knee |
| Dr. Hany Bedair | 249 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Tad Gerlinger | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Hardt | 141 | 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.