Dr. Michael Bolognesi, M.D.
Contact & Location
Durham, NC 27704
Dr. Michael Bolognesi is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bolognesi has performed 121 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#13 in North Carolina) and 61 hip replacements, for a combined total of 182 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Bolognesi performs well above average in knee (121 vs 44 avg), above average in hip (61 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Bolognesi's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (121 cases) and hip replacements (61 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. Bolognesi extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 145 to 182 in the most recent data, a 26% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bolognesi's 121 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Bolognesi Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bolognesi's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 26% from 145 procedures in 2013 to 182 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Bolognesi
How does Dr. Bolognesi's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Bolognesi has performed 182 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bolognesi ranks #14 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bolognesi perform?
Dr. Bolognesi's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (121 cases) and hip replacement (61 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Bolognesi with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Bolognesi ranks #13 in North Carolina for knee replacement with 121 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 293 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bolognesi 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. Bolognesi 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. Bolognesi's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 182 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bolognesi's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bolognesi's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 145 procedures in 2013 to 182 in the most recent data, a 26% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 217 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Bolognesi perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bolognesi's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (121 cases), hip replacement (61 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bolognesi affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bolognesi is affiliated with Duke University Hospital.
How does Dr. Bolognesi compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Bolognesi ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bolognesi has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bolognesi practices?
Duke University Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Bolognesi's 182 Medicare procedures are above the Durham average of 117. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dr. Michael Ransone | 62 | 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.