Dr. Bernard Kemker, MD
Contact & Location
252-443-0400
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
About Dr. Kemker
Dr. Bernard Kemker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Kemker performed 39 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#92 in North Carolina) and 32 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 71 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Kemker performs near the state average in knee (39 vs 44), near the state average in hip (32 vs 33).
Dr. Kemker's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (39 cases) and hip replacements (32 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Kemker holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Rocky Mount is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Rocky Mount area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kemker extend back to 2021, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 21 to 71 in the most recent data, a 238% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kemker's 39 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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 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. 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 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. Kemker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 71 procedures shown here.
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.
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.