Dr. Louis Almekinders, MD
Contact & Location
919-471-9622
Durham, NC 27707
About Dr. Almekinders
Dr. Louis Almekinders is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Almekinders performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#113 in North Carolina) and 18 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 48 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Almekinders performs below the state average in knee (30 vs 44), below the state average in shoulder (18 vs 26).
Dr. Almekinders's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (30 cases) and shoulder replacements (18 cases).
Durham is home to 15 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Almekinders extend back to 2015, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 48 in the most recent data, a 269% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Almekinders's 30 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 13 |
| 2016 | 13 | 16 |
| 2017 | 16 | 15 |
| 2018 | 16 | 16 |
| 2019 | 19 | 18 |
| 2020 | 12 | 0 |
| 2021 | 19 | 12 |
| 2022 | 19 | 13 |
| 2023 | 41 | 14 |
| 2024 | 30 | 18 |
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. Almekinders Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Almekinders's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 269% from 13 procedures in 2015 to 48 in the most recent data.
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. Almekinders
How does Dr. Almekinders's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Almekinders has performed 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Almekinders ranks #131 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Almekinders perform?
Dr. Almekinders's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases) and shoulder replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Almekinders in Durham?
Yes. There are 15 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. Almekinders 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. Almekinders's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 48 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Almekinders's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Almekinders's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2015 to 48 in the most recent data, a 269% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 55 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Almekinders perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Almekinders's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases), shoulder replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Almekinders compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Almekinders ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 182 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Almekinders's 48 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bolognesi | 182 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Brekke | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Wellman | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rutherford | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Klifto | 98 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Merz | 76 | 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.