Dr. Bernard Kemker, M.D.
Contact & Location
252-443-0400
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Dr. Kemker performs more knee replacement procedures than 59% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #92 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Kemker
Practice. Dr. Bernard Kemker is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 39 knee replacements and 32 hip replacements, 71 procedures in all. That is #92 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2014.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2021 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 21 procedures a year to 71, up 238%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 39 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Rocky Mount has 4 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 21 |
| 2022 | 18 | 23 |
| 2023 | 24 | 28 |
| 2024 | 32 | 39 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Kemker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kemker's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 238% from 21 procedures in 2021 to 71 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Kemker
How does Dr. Kemker's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Kemker has performed 71 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kemker ranks #79 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kemker perform?
Dr. Kemker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases) and hip replacement (32 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kemker in Rocky Mount?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Rocky Mount 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kemker 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Kemker's total volume across all insurers at roughly 240 to 300 procedures against the 71 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. Kemker's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kemker's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2021 to 71 in the most recent data, a 238% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 71 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Kemker perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kemker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kemker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kemker is affiliated with Unc Health Nash, Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, Unc Health Wayne, Unc Lenoir Health Care, Ecu Health North Hospital.
How does Dr. Kemker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rocky Mount?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Rocky Mount, Dr. Kemker ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kemker has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kemker practices?
Unc Health Nash (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Vidant Edgecombe Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Unc Health Wayne (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Dr. Kemker's 71 Medicare procedures are above the Rocky Mount average of 34. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rocky Mount.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Greig McAvoy | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Nelson | 12 | Knee |
| Dr. Hardayal Singh | 11 | Shoulder |
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.