Dr. Rafael Kakazu, M.D.
Contact & Location
Danvers, MA 01923
Dr. Rafael Kakazu is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Danvers, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Kakazu has performed 13 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #113 in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Kakazu performs below average in hip (13 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Kakazu's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 13 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.
Danvers is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Danvers area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Kakazu first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Kakazu's 13 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Kakazu Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kakazu has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Kakazu
How does Dr. Kakazu's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Kakazu has performed 13 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. Kakazu ranks #191 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kakazu perform?
Dr. Kakazu's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kakazu in Danvers?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Danvers 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. Kakazu 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. Kakazu's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kakazu affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kakazu is affiliated with North Shore Medical Center -, Beverly Hospital Corporation.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kakazu practices?
North Shore Medical Center - (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Beverly Hospital Corporation (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 Danvers, Massachusetts
Dr. Kakazu's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Danvers average of 26. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Danvers.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Peterson | 39 | 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.