Dr. Suk Namkoong, M.D.
Contact & Location
413-664-6111
North Adams, MA 01247
Dr. Namkoong performs more knee replacement procedures than 15% of orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #135 of 160 ranked knee surgeons in Massachusetts.
About Dr. Namkoong
Practice. Dr. Suk Namkoong is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in North Adams, Massachusetts. The latest annual CMS data records 17 knee replacements. That is #135 in Massachusetts for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 8 years. Volume peaked at 34 in 2013 and stands at 17 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 17 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. North Adams has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Namkoong also holds hospital privileges in VT and MA, a practice that extends beyond Massachusetts.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 21 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 13 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 22 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 17 |
| 2020 | 0 | 12 |
| 2021 | 0 | 12 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 16 |
| 2024 | 0 | 17 |
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. Namkoong Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Namkoong's recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2013 and stood at 17 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Namkoong
How does Dr. Namkoong's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Namkoong has performed 17 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. Namkoong ranks #174 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Namkoong perform?
Dr. Namkoong's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 17 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Namkoong in North Adams?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in North Adams 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. Namkoong 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. Namkoong's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 70 procedures against the 17 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. Namkoong's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Namkoong's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2013 and was 17 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. Namkoong affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Namkoong is affiliated with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, North Adams Regional Hospital. Dr. Namkoong maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Namkoong practices?
Southwestern Vermont 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 North Adams, Massachusetts
Dr. Namkoong's 17 Medicare procedures are below the North Adams average of 25. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in North Adams.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathan Cluett | 32 | 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.