Dr. Matthew Popa, MD
Contact & Location
919-763-1050
Clayton, NC 27520
About Dr. Popa
Dr. Matthew Popa is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Clayton, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Popa performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#130 in North Carolina) and 19 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 46 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Popa performs below the state average in knee (27 vs 44), below the state average in hip (19 vs 33).
Dr. Popa's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
Clayton is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Clayton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Popa extend back to 2013, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 34 to 46 in the most recent data, a 35% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Popa's 27 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 22 |
| 2014 | 12 | 23 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 | 15 |
| 2019 | 22 | 19 |
| 2020 | 12 | 18 |
| 2021 | 30 | 30 |
| 2022 | 0 | 12 |
| 2023 | 29 | 29 |
| 2024 | 19 | 27 |
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. Popa Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Popa's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 35% from 34 procedures in 2013 to 46 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Popa
How does Dr. Popa's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Popa has performed 46 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. Popa ranks #138 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Popa perform?
Dr. Popa's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Popa in Clayton?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Clayton 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. Popa 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. Popa's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 46 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Popa's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Popa's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 34 procedures in 2013 to 46 in the most recent data, a 35% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 60 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Popa perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Popa's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Popa affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Popa is affiliated with Johnston Health, North Carolina Specialty Hospital.
How does Dr. Popa compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Clayton?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Clayton, Dr. Popa ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Popa has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Popa practices?
Johnston Health (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); North Carolina Specialty Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Clayton, North Carolina
Dr. Popa's 46 Medicare procedures are above the Clayton average of 24. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Clayton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Karl Bowman | 15 | Knee |
| Dr. Richard Alioto | 12 | 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.