Dr. Randall Ruark, M.D.
Contact & Location
Columbus, GA 31909
Dr. Randall Ruark is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Ruark has performed 63 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#29 in Georgia) and 59 hip replacements, for a combined total of 122 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Ruark performs above average in knee (63 vs 40 avg), above average in hip (59 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Ruark's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (63 cases) and hip replacements (59 cases).
Columbus is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbus area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Ruark also maintains hospital privileges in AL and GA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Georgia.
Medicare records for Dr. Ruark extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 66 to 122 in the most recent data, a 85% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ruark's 63 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Ruark Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ruark's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 85% from 66 procedures in 2015 to 122 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.
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 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. Ruark
How does Dr. Ruark's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Ruark has performed 122 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ruark ranks #22 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ruark perform?
Dr. Ruark's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (63 cases) and hip replacement (59 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ruark in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ruark 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. Ruark's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 122 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ruark's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ruark's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 66 procedures in 2015 to 122 in the most recent data, a 85% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 179 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Ruark perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ruark's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (63 cases), hip replacement (59 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ruark affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ruark is affiliated with Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital, Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside, Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown. Dr. Ruark maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Ruark compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Ruark ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ruark is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbus.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ruark practices?
Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown (1 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Ruark's 122 Medicare procedures are above the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garland Gudger | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Fernicola | 95 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Waldrop | 42 | 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.