Dr. David Pope, M.D.
Contact & Location
225-766-0050
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Dr. Pope performs more knee replacement procedures than 35% of orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #55 of 85 ranked knee surgeons in Louisiana.
About Dr. Pope
Practice. Dr. David Pope is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The latest annual CMS data records 23 knee replacements. That is #55 in Louisiana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 16 and 29 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Baton Rouge has 14 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 23 |
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. Pope Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pope's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 29 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Pope
How does Dr. Pope's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Pope has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Louisiana average is 54 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Pope ranks #72 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pope perform?
Dr. Pope's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pope in Baton Rouge?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge 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 Louisiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Pope 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. Pope's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 100 procedures against the 23 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. Pope's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Pope's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 29 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pope affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pope is affiliated with Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge.
How does Dr. Pope compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge, Dr. Pope ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Baton Rouge has 138 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pope practices?
Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge (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 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Pope's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Baton Rouge average of 67. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Baton Rouge.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Easton | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Greene | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Albert Bankston | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Broyles | 59 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jared Braud | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nickos Hatzis | 44 | Shoulder |
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.