#112 in North Carolina
Knee

Dr. David Attarian, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
36 procedures Durham, NC
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 36 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. David Attarian is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Attarian has performed 36 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #112 in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, Dr. Attarian performs near average in knee (36 vs 44 avg).

Dr. Attarian's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 36 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. Attarian's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 150 procedures in 2013 before settling at 36 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Attarian's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
36 verified cases
#112 in North Carolina
Estimated total: 100 – 110 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Attarian Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.

Knee Average
36 Avg: 44
Dr. Attarian North Carolina Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 919-684-8111
3116 N Duke St
Durham, NC 27704
NPI: 1518054246
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Attarian's recorded volume peaked at 150 procedures in 2013 and stood at 36 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 36
Peak Volume 150 (2013)
Trend Declining

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Attarian

How does Dr. Attarian's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?

Dr. Attarian has performed 36 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Attarian ranks #185 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Attarian perform?

Dr. Attarian's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 36 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Attarian 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. Attarian 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. Attarian's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 36 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Attarian's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Attarian's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 150 procedures in 2013 and was 36 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.

How does Dr. Attarian compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?

Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Attarian ranks #16 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 146 verified Medicare procedures.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Durham, North Carolina

Dr. Attarian's 36 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 91. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
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. Christopher Klifto 66 Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. David Attarian, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-david-attarian-durham.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-david-attarian-durham.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.