Knee
Dr. Michael Sparks, MD
Dr. Michael Sparks is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lebanon, New Hampshire. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Sparks has performed 73 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #7 in New Hampshire.
In New Hampshire, Dr. Sparks performs above average in knee (73 vs 48 avg).
Dr. Sparks's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 73 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.
Lebanon is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lebanon area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Sparks also maintains hospital privileges in NH and VT, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond New Hampshire.
Medicare records for Dr. Sparks extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 56 to 73 in the most recent data, a 30% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sparks's 73 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Sparks Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New Hampshire state average.
Contact & Location
Lebanon, NH 03756
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sparks's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 30% from 56 procedures in 2013 to 73 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.
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.
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. Sparks
How does Dr. Sparks's procedure volume compare to other New Hampshire surgeons?
Dr. Sparks has performed 73 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the New Hampshire average of 67 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sparks ranks #24 out of 54 orthopedic surgeons in New Hampshire.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sparks perform?
Dr. Sparks's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 73 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Sparks with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Sparks ranks #7 in New Hampshire for knee replacement with 73 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 54 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sparks in Lebanon?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lebanon 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 New Hampshire surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Sparks 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. Sparks's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 73 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sparks's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sparks's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 56 procedures in 2013 to 73 in the most recent data, a 30% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 84 procedures in 2018.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sparks affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sparks is affiliated with Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, New London Hospital, Mt Ascutney Hospital, Cheshire Medical Center. Dr. Sparks maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Sparks compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lebanon?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lebanon, Dr. Sparks ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lebanon has 151 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sparks practices?
Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (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 Lebanon, New Hampshire
Dr. Sparks's 73 Medicare procedures are below the Lebanon average of 93. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lebanon.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Wayne Moschetti | 151 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Garrett Davis | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alexander Orem | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Dwyer | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John-Erik Bell | 67 | Shoulder |
| Dr. David Christensen | 58 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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