Dr. Mark Sprague, M.D.
Contact & Location
413-499-6600
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Dr. Sprague performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 19% of orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #37 of 46 ranked shoulder surgeons in Massachusetts.
About Dr. Sprague
Practice. Dr. Mark Sprague is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The latest annual CMS data records 14 shoulder replacements. That is #37 in Massachusetts for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 10 years. Volume peaked at 45 in 2018 and stands at 14 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 14 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Pittsfield has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Sprague also holds hospital privileges in MA and CT, a practice that extends beyond Massachusetts.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 | 0 |
| 2015 | 17 | 0 |
| 2016 | 24 | 17 |
| 2017 | 21 | 21 |
| 2018 | 12 | 33 |
| 2019 | 0 | 23 |
| 2020 | 0 | 29 |
| 2021 | 0 | 24 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 | 0 | 14 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Sprague Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in Massachusetts
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sprague's recorded volume peaked at 45 procedures in 2018 and stood at 14 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Sprague
How does Dr. Sprague's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Sprague has performed 14 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. Sprague ranks #189 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sprague perform?
Dr. Sprague's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sprague in Pittsfield?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsfield 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. Sprague 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Sprague's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 14 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. Sprague's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sprague's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 45 procedures in 2018 and was 14 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. Sprague affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sprague is affiliated with Mercy Medical Ctr, Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center Inc, North Adams Regional Hospital, Johnson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Sprague maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Sprague compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pittsfield?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsfield, Dr. Sprague ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pittsfield has 102 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sprague practices?
Mercy Medical Ctr (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Fairview Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Berkshire Medical Center 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Dr. Sprague's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Pittsfield average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pittsfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kevin Mitts | 102 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Sage | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anthony Defelice | 41 | Hip, Knee |
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.