#228 in Illinois
Knee

Dr. Richard Southgate, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
15 procedures 3 hospitals Lake Forest, IL
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 15 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Richard Southgate is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lake Forest, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Southgate has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #228 in Illinois.

In Illinois, Dr. Southgate performs below average in knee (15 vs 51 avg).

Dr. Southgate's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 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.

Dr. Southgate is the only orthopedic surgeon in Lake Forest represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Dr. Southgate's Medicare data spans 5 years, beginning in 2016. Volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2017 before settling at 15 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Southgate's 15 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

Knee Replacement
15 verified cases
#228 in Illinois
Estimated total: 40 – 50 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Southgate Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.

Knee Below Avg
15 Avg: 51
Dr. Southgate Illinois Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 847-535-8500
1000 N Westmoreland Rd # Level3
Lake Forest, IL 60045
NPI: 1720303308
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
16 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Southgate's recorded volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2017 and stood at 15 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 5
2023 Volume 15
Peak Volume 51 (2017)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
★★★★★
Lake Forest, IL
Similar to national avg
H
Northwestern Medicine Mchenry Hospital
★★★★★
Mchenry, IL
Similar to national avg
H
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
★★★★★
Chicago, IL
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Southgate

How does Dr. Southgate's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?

Dr. Southgate has performed 15 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. Southgate ranks #281 out of 323 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Southgate perform?

Dr. Southgate's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Where is Dr. Southgate's practice located?

Dr. Southgate practices in Lake Forest, Illinois. The office is located at 1000 N Westmoreland Rd # Level3, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Southgate for joint replacement evaluation.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Southgate 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. Southgate's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Southgate's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Southgate's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2017 and was 15 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.

Which hospitals is Dr. Southgate affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Southgate is affiliated with Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Mchenry Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Southgate practices?

Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwestern Medicine Mchenry Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwestern Memorial Hospital (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.

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Richard Southgate, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/il/dr-richard-southgate-lake-forest.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/il/dr-richard-southgate-lake-forest.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.