#60 in Arkansas
Knee

Dr. David Wassell, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
21 procedures Stuttgart, AR
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 21 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. David Wassell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Stuttgart, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Wassell has performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #60 in Arkansas.

In Arkansas, Dr. Wassell performs below average in knee (21 vs 47 avg).

Dr. Wassell's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 21 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.

Dr. Wassell is the only orthopedic surgeon in Stuttgart represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Dr. Wassell's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 15 to 35 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.

Dr. Wassell's 21 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
21 verified cases
#60 in Arkansas
Estimated total: 60 – 60 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. Wassell Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.

Knee Below Avg
21 Avg: 47
Dr. Wassell Arkansas Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 870-673-2511
1703 N Buerkle St
Stuttgart, AR 72160
NPI: 1821057480
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Wassell's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 35 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 21
Peak Volume 35 (2018)
Trend Stable

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

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

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Wassell

How does Dr. Wassell's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?

Dr. Wassell has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arkansas average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wassell ranks #68 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wassell perform?

Dr. Wassell's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Where is Dr. Wassell's practice located?

Dr. Wassell practices in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The office is located at 1703 N Buerkle St, Stuttgart, AR 72160. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Wassell for joint replacement evaluation.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wassell 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. Wassell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 21 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Wassell's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 35 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.

Patient Reviews & Ratings

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Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. David Wassell, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ar/dr-david-wassell-stuttgart.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ar/dr-david-wassell-stuttgart.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.