Dr. Samuel Kunkel, M.D.
Contact & Location
603-650-7123
Lebanon, NH 03756
About Dr. Kunkel
Dr. Samuel Kunkel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lebanon, New Hampshire. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Kunkel performed 24 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#27 in New Hampshire) and 19 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 43 procedures.
In New Hampshire, Dr. Kunkel performs below the state average in hip (24 vs 40), below the state average in knee (19 vs 50).
Dr. Kunkel's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (24 cases) and knee replacements (19 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Kunkel extend back to 2020, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 30 to 43 in the most recent data, a 43% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Kunkel's 24 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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 | 16 | 14 |
| 2021 | 17 | 37 |
| 2022 | 15 | 14 |
| 2023 | 13 | 21 |
| 2024 | 24 | 19 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kunkel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 43% from 30 procedures in 2020 to 43 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip 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 43 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New Hampshire average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kunkel ranks #35 out of 56 orthopedic surgeons in New Hampshire.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kunkel perform?
Dr. Kunkel's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (24 cases) and knee replacement (19 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 43 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kunkel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kunkel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 30 procedures in 2020 to 43 in the most recent data, a 43% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 54 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Kunkel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kunkel's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (24 cases), knee replacement (19 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 #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lebanon has 189 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 43 Medicare procedures are below the Lebanon average of 103. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lebanon.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garrett Davis | 189 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Dwyer | 131 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wayne Moschetti | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John-Erik Bell | 83 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Marcus Coe | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alexander Orem | 76 | 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.