Knee
Dr. David Buchalter, MD
Dr. David Buchalter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Baltimore, Maryland. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Buchalter has performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #91 in Maryland.
In Maryland, Dr. Buchalter performs below average in knee (24 vs 50 avg).
Dr. Buchalter's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 24 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Buchalter holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Baltimore is home to 38 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Baltimore area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Buchalter's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 15 to 31 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Buchalter's 24 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
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. Buchalter Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Contact & Location
Baltimore, MD 21209
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Buchalter's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 31 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Buchalter
How does Dr. Buchalter's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Buchalter has performed 24 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Maryland average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Buchalter ranks #124 out of 161 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Buchalter perform?
Dr. Buchalter's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Buchalter in Baltimore?
Yes. There are 38 orthopedic surgeons in Baltimore 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 Maryland surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Buchalter 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. Buchalter's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 24 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Buchalter's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Buchalter's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 15 to 31 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Buchalter affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Buchalter is affiliated with Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Northwest Hospital Center.
How does Dr. Buchalter compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Baltimore?
Among the 38 orthopedic surgeons in Baltimore, Dr. Buchalter ranks #33 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Baltimore has 304 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Buchalter practices?
Greater Baltimore Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwest Hospital Center (2 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 Baltimore, Maryland
Dr. Buchalter's 24 Medicare procedures are below the Baltimore average of 168. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Baltimore.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Ciotola | 304 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Marc Hungerford | 209 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Frank Ebert | 185 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert McKinstry | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Henry Boucher | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harpal Khanuja | 147 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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