Dr. Samuel Kunkel, M.D.
Dr. Samuel Kunkel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lebanon, New Hampshire. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Kunkel has performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#34 in New Hampshire) and 13 hip replacements, for a combined total of 34 procedures.
In New Hampshire, Dr. Kunkel performs below average in knee (21 vs 48 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 37 avg).
Dr. Kunkel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (21 cases) and hip replacements (13 cases).
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. Kunkel's Medicare record spans 4 years from 2020 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 29 to 54 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kunkel's 21 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Kunkel 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. Kunkel's procedure volume has been consistent across 4 years of Medicare data, ranging from 29 to 54 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Kunkel
How does Dr. Kunkel's procedure volume compare to other New Hampshire surgeons?
Dr. Kunkel has performed 34 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New Hampshire average is 67 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kunkel ranks #36 out of 54 orthopedic surgeons in New Hampshire.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kunkel perform?
Dr. Kunkel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kunkel 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. Kunkel 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. Kunkel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kunkel's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Kunkel's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 4 years of Medicare data, ranging from 29 to 54 procedures per year between 2020 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Kunkel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kunkel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kunkel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kunkel is affiliated with Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, Catholic Medical Center, Elliot Hospital.
How does Dr. Kunkel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lebanon?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lebanon, Dr. Kunkel ranks #10 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. Kunkel practices?
Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Catholic Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Elliot Hospital (2 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 Lebanon, New Hampshire
Dr. Kunkel's 34 Medicare procedures are below the Lebanon average of 90. 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. Michael Sparks | 73 | Knee |
| Dr. John-Erik Bell | 67 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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