Knee
Dr. Samer Kakish, FRCS(TR & ORTH), MSC
Dr. Samer Kakish is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Kakish has performed 14 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #36 in New Mexico.
In New Mexico, Dr. Kakish performs below average in knee (14 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Kakish's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 14 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.
Albuquerque is home to 22 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Albuquerque area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Kakish's Medicare data spans 4 years, beginning in 2018. Volume peaked at 24 procedures in 2018 before settling at 14 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Kakish's 14 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. Kakish Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New Mexico state average.
Contact & Location
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kakish's recorded volume peaked at 24 procedures in 2018 and stood at 14 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Kakish
How does Dr. Kakish's procedure volume compare to other New Mexico surgeons?
Dr. Kakish has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New Mexico average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kakish ranks #41 out of 47 orthopedic surgeons in New Mexico.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kakish perform?
Dr. Kakish's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kakish in Albuquerque?
Yes. There are 22 orthopedic surgeons in Albuquerque 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 Mexico surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kakish 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. Kakish's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 14 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kakish's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Kakish's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 24 procedures in 2018 and was 14 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kakish affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kakish is affiliated with Unm Hospital.
How does Dr. Kakish compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Albuquerque?
Among the 22 orthopedic surgeons in Albuquerque, Dr. Kakish ranks #20 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Albuquerque has 149 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kakish practices?
Unm Hospital (2 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 Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dr. Kakish's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Albuquerque average of 99. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Albuquerque.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joshua Carothers | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Hanosh | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Krishna Tripuraneni | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Mulkey | 95 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Junick | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Carl Gilmore | 83 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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