This database was last updated in July 2015 and is based on data from 2009 to 2013. It should only be used as a historical snapshot.

MICHAEL KORNBLATT

  • 9000 WAUKEGAN RD, SUITE 200, MORTON GROVE, ILLINOIS 60053-2111 | 847-375-3000
    (address information updated Aug. 28, 2012)

How we calculated these rates: Guided by top researchers and doctors, ProPublica used Medicare data from 2009-2013 to identify cases where a patient died in the hospital or had to be readmitted within 30 days for a problem related to one of these elective procedures. We then calculated complication rates for surgeons, carefully accounting for differences in patient health, age and hospital quality. These rates are calculated using data from Medicare records, which do not include patients with private insurance or in another program like Medicaid. A surgeon’s rate spans all hospitals at which he or she operates and is not unique to a given hospital. Read our methodology »

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Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Posterior Column and Approach

Fusing two or more vertebrae in the lower back; performed on the back of the spine, incision in the back (ICD-9-CM code 81.07)

The fusing of two or more vertebrae in the lower back, performed on the back portion of the spine. One of the most common reasons is the narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain. It can also be done because of disc degeneration or a condition where one bone in the back slides forward over the bone below it. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

This Surgeon

Performed Procedure 30 times
Complications 0
Raw complication rate 0*
How to read the Adjusted Complication Rate | Learn more »
Adjusted Complication Rate
Low
Medium
High Adjusted Rate of Complications

Surgeon's Rate

95% Conf. Interval

3.2%
Surgeons performing this procedure within 25 miles
See area hospitals »
This Surgeon

Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement (ICD-9-CM code 81.54)

Replace diseased knee joint with an artificial knee. The most common reason for a knee replacement is osteoarthritis, which is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joint. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

This surgeon performed fewer than the 20 cases required to have an adjusted rate in Medicare.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion, Anterior Column, Posterior Approach

Fusing two or more vertebrae in the lower back; performed on the front of the spine, incision in the back (ICD-9-CM code 81.08)

The fusing of two or more vertebrae in the lower back, performed on the front portion of the spine. One of the most common reasons is the narrowing of the space between the vertebrae, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain. It can also be done because of disc degeneration or a condition where one bone in the back slides forward over the bone below it. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

This surgeon performed fewer than the 20 cases required to have an adjusted rate in Medicare.

Cervical (Neck) Spinal Fusion

Other cervical fusion of the anterior column, anterior technique (ICD-9-CM code 81.02)

The fusing of two or more vertebrae of the neck, using orthopedic devices to hold them in place. Age-related breakdown or displacement of the spinal discs in the neck. More information External link 52be2b4367cfb6db1164bdeed0171197ab10172e55a8db3542a9c308908df2ba

This surgeon performed fewer than the 20 cases required to have an adjusted rate in Medicare.