Dr. Mark Sytsma, M.D.
Contact & Location
269-343-8170
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Dr. Sytsma performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 96% of orthopedic surgeons in Michigan, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #2 of 58 ranked shoulder surgeons in Michigan.
About Dr. Sytsma
Practice. Dr. Mark Sytsma is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The latest annual CMS data records 59 shoulder replacements. That is #2 in Michigan for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 59, up 392%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 59 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 29. That is #179 nationally.
Local context. Kalamazoo has 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 44 |
| 2018 | 46 |
| 2019 | 50 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 47 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 59 |
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. Sytsma Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sytsma's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 392% from 12 procedures in 2013 to 59 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
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. Sytsma
How does Dr. Sytsma's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Sytsma has performed 59 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Michigan average of 49 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sytsma ranks #77 out of 256 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sytsma perform?
Dr. Sytsma's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 59 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Sytsma with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Sytsma ranks #2 in Michigan for shoulder replacement with 59 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 256 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sytsma in Kalamazoo?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Kalamazoo 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 Michigan surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Sytsma 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. Sytsma's total volume across all insurers at roughly 160 to 200 procedures against the 59 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. Sytsma's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sytsma's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2013 to 59 in the most recent data, a 392% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 59 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sytsma affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sytsma is affiliated with Bronson Methodist Hospital, Three Rivers Health, Beacon Kalamazoo, Bronson Lakeview Hospital, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
How does Dr. Sytsma compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kalamazoo?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Kalamazoo, Dr. Sytsma ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Kalamazoo has 75 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sytsma practices?
Bronson Methodist Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Three Rivers Health (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Beacon Kalamazoo (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 Kalamazoo, Michigan
Dr. Sytsma's 59 Medicare procedures are below the Kalamazoo average of 63. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kalamazoo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bernard Roehr | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Zuke | 70 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Todd Ream | 67 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Betzle | 66 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Morren | 52 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Kokmeyer | 50 | 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.