Dr. Richelle Takemoto, M.D.
Contact & Location
877-660-6777
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Dr. Takemoto performs more knee replacement procedures than 20% of orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #244 of 308 ranked knee surgeons in Pennsylvania.
About Dr. Takemoto
Practice. Dr. Richelle Takemoto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The latest annual CMS data records 19 knee replacements. That is #244 in Pennsylvania for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2022 to 2024, 3 years. Volume peaked at 52 in 2022 and stands at 19 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 19 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Pittsburgh has 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
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 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 24 | 28 |
| 2023 | 0 | 24 |
| 2024 | 0 | 19 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Takemoto Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Takemoto's recorded volume peaked at 52 procedures in 2022 and stood at 19 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Takemoto
How does Dr. Takemoto's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Takemoto has performed 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Pennsylvania average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Takemoto ranks #314 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Takemoto perform?
Dr. Takemoto's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Takemoto in Pittsburgh?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh 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. Takemoto represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Takemoto's total volume across all insurers at roughly 70 to 80 procedures against the 19 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Takemoto's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Takemoto's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 52 procedures in 2022 and was 19 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. Takemoto affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Takemoto is affiliated with Community Memorial Hospital, Inc, Chenango Memorial Hospital, Oneida Health. Dr. Takemoto maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Takemoto compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh, Dr. Takemoto ranks #36 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pittsburgh has 203 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Takemoto practices?
Community Memorial Hospital, Inc (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Chenango Memorial Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Oneida Health (3 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Takemoto's 19 Medicare procedures are below the Pittsburgh average of 104. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pittsburgh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryce Braaksma | 203 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Omalley | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Pagnotto | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julius Huebner | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Yram Groff | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Yakish | 75 | 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.