Dr. Phillip Ludkowski, MD
Contact & Location
847-870-6100
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
About Dr. Ludkowski
Dr. Phillip Ludkowski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Arlington Heights, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Ludkowski performed 105 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#23 in Illinois) and 56 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 161 procedures.
In Illinois, Dr. Ludkowski performs well above the state average in knee (105 vs 50), above the state average in hip (56 vs 39).
Dr. Ludkowski's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (105 cases) and hip replacements (56 cases).
Arlington Heights is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Arlington Heights area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Ludkowski's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 235 procedures in 2014 before settling at 161 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ludkowski's 105 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 71 | 148 |
| 2014 | 92 | 143 |
| 2015 | 56 | 128 |
| 2016 | 63 | 128 |
| 2017 | 68 | 130 |
| 2018 | 58 | 138 |
| 2019 | 51 | 112 |
| 2020 | 65 | 98 |
| 2021 | 70 | 93 |
| 2022 | 62 | 91 |
| 2023 | 50 | 108 |
| 2024 | 56 | 105 |
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. Ludkowski Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ludkowski's recorded volume peaked at 235 procedures in 2014 and stood at 161 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Ludkowski
How does Dr. Ludkowski's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Ludkowski has performed 161 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Illinois average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ludkowski ranks #32 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ludkowski perform?
Dr. Ludkowski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (105 cases) and hip replacement (56 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ludkowski in Arlington Heights?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Arlington Heights 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. Ludkowski 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. Ludkowski's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 161 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ludkowski's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Ludkowski's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 235 procedures in 2014 and was 161 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Ludkowski perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ludkowski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (105 cases), hip replacement (56 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ludkowski affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ludkowski is affiliated with Northwest Community Hospital 1.
How does Dr. Ludkowski compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Arlington Heights?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Arlington Heights, Dr. Ludkowski ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ludkowski has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ludkowski practices?
Northwest Community Hospital 1 (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Arlington Heights, Illinois
Dr. Ludkowski's 161 Medicare procedures are above the Arlington Heights average of 53. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Arlington Heights.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Thomas Kim | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eduard Sladek | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Hill | 21 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Brian Moss | 15 | Knee |
| Dr. John Ross | 12 | Shoulder |
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.