Dr. Karl Kuwik, M.D.
Contact & Location
330-758-0577
Youngstown, OH 44514
About Dr. Kuwik
Dr. Karl Kuwik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Youngstown, Ohio. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Kuwik performed 73 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#44 in Ohio) and 29 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 102 procedures.
In Ohio, Dr. Kuwik performs above the state average in knee (73 vs 41), near the state average in hip (29 vs 32).
Dr. Kuwik's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (73 cases) and hip replacements (29 cases).
Youngstown is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Youngstown area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kuwik extend back to 2019, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 17 to 102 in the most recent data, a 500% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kuwik's 73 verified procedures is above 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 | 17 |
| 2020 | 0 | 24 |
| 2021 | 16 | 24 |
| 2022 | 21 | 36 |
| 2023 | 24 | 67 |
| 2024 | 29 | 73 |
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. Kuwik Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Ohio state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kuwik's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 500% from 17 procedures in 2019 to 102 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Kuwik
How does Dr. Kuwik's procedure volume compare to other Ohio surgeons?
Dr. Kuwik has performed 102 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Ohio average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kuwik ranks #58 out of 370 orthopedic surgeons in Ohio.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kuwik perform?
Dr. Kuwik's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (73 cases) and hip replacement (29 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kuwik in Youngstown?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Youngstown 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 Ohio surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kuwik 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. Kuwik's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 102 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kuwik's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kuwik's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 17 procedures in 2019 to 102 in the most recent data, a 500% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 102 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Kuwik perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kuwik's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (73 cases), hip replacement (29 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kuwik affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kuwik is affiliated with Mh St Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, Mh St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, Mh St Joseph Warren Hospital.
How does Dr. Kuwik compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Youngstown?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Youngstown, Dr. Kuwik ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kuwik is among the highest-volume surgeons in Youngstown.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kuwik practices?
Mh St Elizabeth Boardman Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mh St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mh St Joseph Warren 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 Youngstown, Ohio
Dr. Kuwik's 102 Medicare procedures are above the Youngstown average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Youngstown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Jamison | 102 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Weimer | 94 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Stefancin | 90 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Joseph | 60 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tyler Ames | 17 | Hip |
| Dr. Joseph Stefko | 14 | 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.