#48 Hip
#109 Knee

Dr. Chinenye Nwachuku, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
94 procedures 4 hospitals Bethlehem, PA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Hip replacement recovery kit Essentials every patient wishes they bought first
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 50 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 44 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Chinenye Nwachuku is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nwachuku has performed 50 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#48 in Pennsylvania) and 44 knee replacements, for a combined total of 94 procedures.

In Pennsylvania, Dr. Nwachuku performs above average in hip (50 vs 34 avg), near average in knee (44 vs 45 avg).

Dr. Nwachuku's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (50 cases) and knee replacements (44 cases).

Bethlehem is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bethlehem area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Nwachuku also maintains hospital privileges in PA and NJ, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Pennsylvania.

Medicare records for Dr. Nwachuku extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 94 in the most recent data, a 683% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nwachuku's 50 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.

Verified Medicare Cases

Hip Replacement
50 verified cases
#48 in Pennsylvania
Knee Replacement
44 verified cases
#109 in Pennsylvania
Estimated total: 250 – 280 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Nwachuku Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.

Hip High
50 Avg: 34
Knee Average
44 Avg: 45
Dr. Nwachuku Pennsylvania Average

Contact & Location

801 Ostrum St
Bethlehem, PA 18015
NPI: 1396981940
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Nwachuku's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 683% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 94 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 8
2023 Volume 94
Peak Volume 94 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
St Luke'S Hospital Bethlehem
★★★★★
Bethlehem, PA
Similar to national avg
H
St Luke'S Hospital - Easton Campus
★★★☆☆
Easton, PA
Low case volume
H
St Luke'S Hospital - Monroe Campus
★★★★☆
Stroudsburg, PA
Similar to national avg
H
St Luke'S Warren Hospital
★★★★★
Phillipsburg, NJ
Similar to national avg

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.

Hip Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device (walker or cane). Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin. Most patients can manage basic self-care.
Week 3-6 Transition to walking independently. Resume driving short distances. Physical therapy focuses on strength and balance.
Week 7-12 Return to most daily activities and light exercise. Stair climbing improves. Many patients return to desk work.
Month 4-6 Full recovery for most patients. Resume recreational activities, golf, swimming, and low-impact exercise.

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. Nwachuku

How does Dr. Nwachuku's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?

Dr. Nwachuku has performed 94 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Pennsylvania average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nwachuku ranks #82 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nwachuku perform?

Dr. Nwachuku's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (50 cases) and knee replacement (44 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nwachuku in Bethlehem?

Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Nwachuku 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. Nwachuku's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 94 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Nwachuku's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Nwachuku's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2016 to 94 in the most recent data, a 683% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 94 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Nwachuku perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Nwachuku's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (50 cases), knee replacement (44 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Nwachuku affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nwachuku is affiliated with St Luke'S Hospital Bethlehem, St Luke'S Hospital - Easton Campus, St Luke'S Hospital - Monroe Campus, St Luke'S Warren Hospital. Dr. Nwachuku maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.

How does Dr. Nwachuku compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem?

Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Bethlehem, Dr. Nwachuku ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bethlehem has 235 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nwachuku practices?

St Luke'S Hospital Bethlehem (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Luke'S Hospital - Easton Campus (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); St Luke'S Hospital - Monroe Campus (4 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 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Dr. Nwachuku's 94 Medicare procedures are below the Bethlehem average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bethlehem.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Thomas Meade 235 Knee
Dr. Patrick Brogle 163 Hip, Knee
Dr. Christopher Ferrante 157 Hip, Knee
Dr. Wayne Luchetti 91 Hip, Knee
Dr. Carl Weiss 61 Hip, Knee
Dr. Daniel Terpstra 39 Knee, Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Chinenye Nwachuku, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/pa/dr-chinenye-nwachuku-bethlehem.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/pa/dr-chinenye-nwachuku-bethlehem.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.