Dr. Aaron Forbes, MD
Contact & Location
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Dr. Aaron Forbes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Forbes has performed 122 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#12 in North Carolina) and 105 hip replacements, for a combined total of 227 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Forbes performs well above average in knee (122 vs 44 avg), well above average in hip (105 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Forbes's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (122 cases) and hip replacements (105 cases).
Chapel Hill is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chapel Hill area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Forbes extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 23 to 227 in the most recent data, a 887% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Forbes's 122 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Forbes Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Forbes's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 887% from 23 procedures in 2015 to 227 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.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Forbes
How does Dr. Forbes's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Forbes has performed 227 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Forbes ranks #8 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Forbes perform?
Dr. Forbes's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (122 cases) and hip replacement (105 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Forbes with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Forbes ranks #12 in North Carolina for knee replacement with 122 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 293 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Forbes in Chapel Hill?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Chapel Hill 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 North Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Forbes 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. Forbes's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 227 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Forbes's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Forbes's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2015 to 227 in the most recent data, a 887% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 227 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Forbes perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Forbes's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (122 cases), hip replacement (105 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Forbes affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Forbes is affiliated with Morristown Medical Center, St Joseph'S University Medical Center Inc, Chilton Medical Center, Hunterdon Medical Center. Dr. Forbes maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Forbes compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chapel Hill?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Chapel Hill, Dr. Forbes ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Forbes has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Forbes practices?
Morristown Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Joseph'S University Medical Center Inc (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Chilton Medical Center (4 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 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Dr. Forbes's 227 Medicare procedures are above the Chapel Hill average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chapel Hill.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Olcott | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Creighton | 21 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Ganesh Kamath | 15 | 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.