Dr. Joseph Kavolus, M.D.
Dr. Joseph Kavolus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Boston, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Kavolus has performed 55 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#61 in Massachusetts) and 49 hip replacements, for a combined total of 104 procedures.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Kavolus performs near average in knee (55 vs 51 avg), near average in hip (49 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Kavolus's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (55 cases) and hip replacements (49 cases).
Boston is home to 50 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Boston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kavolus extend back to 2018, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 34 to 104 in the most recent data, a 206% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kavolus's 55 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. Kavolus Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Contact & Location
Boston, MA 02115
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kavolus's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 206% from 34 procedures in 2018 to 104 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Kavolus
How does Dr. Kavolus's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Kavolus has performed 104 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Massachusetts average of 74 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kavolus ranks #50 out of 202 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kavolus perform?
Dr. Kavolus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases) and hip replacement (49 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kavolus in Boston?
Yes. There are 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston 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 Massachusetts surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kavolus 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. Kavolus's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 104 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kavolus's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kavolus's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 34 procedures in 2018 to 104 in the most recent data, a 206% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 104 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Kavolus perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kavolus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases), hip replacement (49 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kavolus affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kavolus is affiliated with Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Umass Memorial Health-Milford Regional Medical Ctr, Brigham And Women'S Hospital.
How does Dr. Kavolus compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Boston?
Among the 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston, Dr. Kavolus ranks #17 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Boston has 312 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kavolus practices?
Newton-Wellesley Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Massachusetts General Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Umass Memorial Health-Milford Regional Medical Ctr (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 Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Kavolus's 104 Medicare procedures are below the Boston average of 198. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Boston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Carl Talmo | 312 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Young-Min Kwon | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Bono | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dennis Burke | 210 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Smith | 164 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wolfgang Fitz | 156 | Knee |
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