Knee
Dr. Mark Hontas, MD
Dr. Mark Hontas is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Covington, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hontas has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #83 in Louisiana.
In Louisiana, Dr. Hontas performs below average in knee (15 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Hontas'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.
Covington is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Covington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Hontas's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 61 procedures in 2014 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. Hontas'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
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. Hontas Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Contact & Location
Covington, LA 70433
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hontas's recorded volume peaked at 61 procedures in 2014 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.
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.
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.
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. Hontas
How does Dr. Hontas's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Hontas has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Louisiana average is 51 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hontas ranks #102 out of 118 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hontas perform?
Dr. Hontas'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.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hontas in Covington?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Covington 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 Louisiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hontas 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. Hontas's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hontas's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hontas's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 61 procedures in 2014 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. Hontas affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hontas is affiliated with St Tammany Parish Hospital, Ochsner Medical Center.
How does Dr. Hontas compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Covington?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Covington, Dr. Hontas ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Covington has 76 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hontas practices?
St Tammany Parish Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ochsner Medical Center (4 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 Covington, Louisiana
Dr. Hontas's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Covington average of 27. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Covington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Schumacher | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rolling | 29 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Devraj | 23 | Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Darr | 17 | Knee |
| Dr. Jason Rudd | 17 | Knee |
| Dr. Herbert Plauche | 15 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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