Dr. Russell Donnelly, M.D.
Contact & Location
508-764-2772
Southbridge, MA 01550
North Conway, NH 03860
Dr. Donnelly performs more knee replacement procedures than 2% of orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #156 of 160 ranked knee surgeons in Massachusetts.
About Dr. Donnelly
Practice. Dr. Russell Donnelly is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Southbridge, Massachusetts. The latest annual CMS data records 12 knee replacements. That is #156 in Massachusetts for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 5 years. Volume peaked at 20 in 2019 and stands at 12 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 12 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Southbridge has 2 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 | 0 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 12 |
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. Donnelly Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Donnelly's recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2019 and stood at 12 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Donnelly
How does Dr. Donnelly's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Donnelly has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Massachusetts average is 74 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Donnelly ranks #197 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Donnelly perform?
Dr. Donnelly's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Donnelly in Southbridge?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Southbridge 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 Massachusetts surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Donnelly 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. Donnelly's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 12 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. Donnelly's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Donnelly's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 20 procedures in 2019 and was 12 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Donnelly affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Donnelly is affiliated with Umass Memorial Healh - Harrington Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Donnelly practices?
Umass Memorial Healh - Harrington Hospital (2 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 Southbridge, Massachusetts
Dr. Donnelly's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Southbridge average of 14. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Southbridge.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Young-Ho Oh | 16 | Knee |
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.