Dr. Joseph Lifrak, M.D.
Contact & Location
508-973-1550
Swansea, MA 02777
Dr. Lifrak performs more knee replacement procedures than 64% of orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #57 of 160 ranked knee surgeons in Massachusetts.
About Dr. Lifrak
Practice. Dr. Joseph Lifrak is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Swansea, Massachusetts. The latest annual CMS data records 54 knee replacements. That is #57 in Massachusetts for knee replacement. Dr. Lifrak also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 19 procedures a year to 54, up 184%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 54 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 44 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2024 | 54 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Lifrak Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lifrak's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 184% from 19 procedures in 2013 to 54 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.
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. Lifrak
How does Dr. Lifrak's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Lifrak has performed 54 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Massachusetts average is 74 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Lifrak ranks #97 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lifrak perform?
Dr. Lifrak's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 54 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Lifrak's practice located?
Dr. Lifrak practices in Swansea, Massachusetts. The office is located at 479 Swansea Mall Dr, Swansea, MA 02777. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Lifrak for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Lifrak represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Lifrak's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 230 procedures against the 54 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Lifrak's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lifrak's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2013 to 54 in the most recent data, a 184% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 55 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lifrak affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lifrak is affiliated with Southcoast Hospital Group, Inc.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lifrak practices?
Southcoast Hospital Group, Inc (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.
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.