Shoulder
Dr. Christopher Klifto, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Klifto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Klifto has performed 66 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #3 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Klifto performs well above average in shoulder (66 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Klifto's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 66 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.
Durham is home to 19 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Durham area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Klifto also maintains hospital privileges in NC and VA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond North Carolina.
Medicare records for Dr. Klifto extend back to 2019, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 25 to 66 in the most recent data, a 164% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Klifto's 66 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 28, ranking #131 nationally.
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. Klifto Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Durham, NC 27707
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Klifto's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 164% from 25 procedures in 2019 to 66 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Klifto
How does Dr. Klifto's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Klifto has performed 66 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Klifto ranks #97 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Klifto perform?
Dr. Klifto's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 66 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Klifto with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Klifto ranks #3 in North Carolina for shoulder replacement with 66 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 294 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Klifto in Durham?
Yes. There are 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham 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. Klifto 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. Klifto's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 66 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Klifto's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Klifto's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 25 procedures in 2019 to 66 in the most recent data, a 164% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 66 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Klifto affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Klifto is affiliated with Duke Regional Hospital, Duke University Hospital, Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital. Dr. Klifto maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Klifto compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Klifto ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 146 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Klifto practices?
Duke Regional Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Duke University Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital (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 Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Klifto's 66 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 95. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bolognesi | 146 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Wellman | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rutherford | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Brekke | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Merz | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thorsten Seyler | 61 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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