Knee
Dr. Samer Tawakkol, MD
Dr. Samer Tawakkol is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Houston, Texas. Dr. Tawakkol has performed 49 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #133 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Tawakkol performs near average in knee (49 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Tawakkol's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 49 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.
Houston is home to 52 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Houston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Tawakkol extend back to 2013, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 49 in the most recent data, a 227% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Tawakkol's 49 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Tawakkol Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
Houston, TX 77082
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Tawakkol's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 227% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 49 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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Tawakkol
How does Dr. Tawakkol's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Tawakkol has performed 49 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Tawakkol ranks #233 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Tawakkol perform?
Dr. Tawakkol's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 49 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Tawakkol in Houston?
Yes. There are 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Tawakkol 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. Tawakkol's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 49 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Tawakkol's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Tawakkol's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 49 in the most recent data, a 227% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 61 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Tawakkol affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Tawakkol is affiliated with Christus Southeast Texas- St Elizabeth.
How does Dr. Tawakkol compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Houston?
Among the 52 orthopedic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Tawakkol ranks #32 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Houston has 358 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Tawakkol practices?
Christus Southeast Texas- St Elizabeth (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 Houston, Texas
Dr. Tawakkol's 49 Medicare procedures are below the Houston average of 176. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Houston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stefan Kreuzer | 358 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robin Goytia | 198 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Vasilios Mathews | 182 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Stocks | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kenneth Mathis | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ugonna Ihekweazu | 131 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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