Dr. David Wassell, M.D.
Contact & Location
870-673-2511
Stuttgart, AR 72160
Dr. Wassell performs more knee replacement procedures than 2% of orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #74 of 76 ranked knee surgeons in Arkansas.
About Dr. Wassell
Practice. Dr. David Wassell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The latest annual CMS data records 11 knee replacements. That is #74 in Arkansas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 35 in 2018 and stands at 11 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 11 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 22 |
| 2014 | 0 | 21 |
| 2015 | 0 | 20 |
| 2016 | 0 | 21 |
| 2017 | 0 | 24 |
| 2018 | 0 | 35 |
| 2019 | 11 | 21 |
| 2020 | 0 | 15 |
| 2021 | 0 | 17 |
| 2022 | 0 | 20 |
| 2023 | 0 | 21 |
| 2024 | 0 | 11 |
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. Wassell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wassell's recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2018 and stood at 11 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Wassell
How does Dr. Wassell's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Wassell has performed 11 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arkansas average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wassell ranks #88 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 11 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 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. Wassell's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 11 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. Wassell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wassell's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 35 procedures in 2018 and was 11 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.
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.