Dr. Vito Pugliano, M.D.
Contact & Location
617-636-5000
Boston, MA 02111
About Dr. Pugliano
Dr. Vito Pugliano is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Boston, Massachusetts. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Pugliano performed 76 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#36 in Massachusetts) and 72 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 148 procedures.
In Massachusetts, Dr. Pugliano performs above the state average in knee (76 vs 50), above the state average in hip (72 vs 44).
Dr. Pugliano's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (76 cases) and hip replacements (72 cases).
Boston is home to 50 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Boston area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Pugliano extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 114 to 148 in the most recent data, a 30% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Pugliano's 76 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 50 | 64 |
| 2017 | 49 | 83 |
| 2018 | 24 | 30 |
| 2019 | 21 | 39 |
| 2020 | 27 | 45 |
| 2021 | 32 | 50 |
| 2022 | 50 | 52 |
| 2023 | 46 | 59 |
| 2024 | 72 | 76 |
Verified Medicare Cases
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. Pugliano Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Massachusetts state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pugliano's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 30% from 114 procedures in 2016 to 148 in the most recent data.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Pugliano
How does Dr. Pugliano's procedure volume compare to other Massachusetts surgeons?
Dr. Pugliano has performed 148 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Massachusetts average of 74 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Pugliano ranks #27 out of 203 orthopedic surgeons in Massachusetts.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pugliano perform?
Dr. Pugliano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (76 cases) and hip replacement (72 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pugliano in Boston?
Yes. There are 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston 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. Pugliano 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. Pugliano's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 148 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Pugliano's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Pugliano's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 114 procedures in 2016 to 148 in the most recent data, a 30% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 148 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Pugliano perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Pugliano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (76 cases), hip replacement (72 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pugliano affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pugliano is affiliated with New England Baptist Hospital, Emerson Hospital -, Beverly Hospital Corporation.
How does Dr. Pugliano compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Boston?
Among the 50 orthopedic surgeons in Boston, Dr. Pugliano ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Boston has 305 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pugliano practices?
New England Baptist Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Emerson Hospital - (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Beverly Hospital Corporation (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Pugliano's 148 Medicare procedures are below the Boston average of 201. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Boston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Carl Talmo | 305 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Young-Min Kwon | 235 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Bono | 204 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Pagani | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Smith | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dennis Burke | 169 | Hip, 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.