Dr. David Howe, MD
Contact & Location
704-323-2000
Winston Salem, NC 27103
About Dr. Howe
Dr. David Howe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Winston Salem, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Howe performed 149 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#7 in North Carolina) and 83 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 232 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Howe performs well above the state average in knee (149 vs 44), well above the state average in hip (83 vs 33).
Dr. Howe's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (149 cases) and hip replacements (83 cases).
Winston Salem is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Winston Salem area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Howe extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 147 to 232 in the most recent data, a 58% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Howe's 149 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #178 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 74 | 73 |
| 2014 | 66 | 76 |
| 2015 | 68 | 82 |
| 2016 | 90 | 111 |
| 2017 | 81 | 126 |
| 2018 | 76 | 152 |
| 2019 | 74 | 153 |
| 2020 | 78 | 137 |
| 2021 | 75 | 142 |
| 2022 | 74 | 138 |
| 2023 | 78 | 142 |
| 2024 | 83 | 149 |
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. Howe Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howe's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 58% from 147 procedures in 2013 to 232 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. Howe
How does Dr. Howe's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Howe has performed 232 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Howe ranks #6 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Howe perform?
Dr. Howe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (149 cases) and hip replacement (83 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Howe with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Howe ranks #7 in North Carolina for knee replacement with 149 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 293 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Howe in Winston Salem?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Winston Salem 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. Howe 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. Howe's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 232 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Howe's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Howe's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 147 procedures in 2013 to 232 in the most recent data, a 58% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 232 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Howe perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Howe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (149 cases), hip replacement (83 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Howe affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Howe is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.
How does Dr. Howe compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Winston Salem?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Winston Salem, Dr. Howe ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Howe has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Howe practices?
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Winston Salem, North Carolina
Dr. Howe's 232 Medicare procedures are above the Winston Salem average of 90. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Winston Salem.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Shields | 98 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Maxwell Langfitt | 95 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Henderson | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Calvin Maxwell McCabe | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Lauffenburger | 30 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Wilson | 25 | 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.