Dr. Michael Bolognesi, M.D.
Contact & Location
919-684-8111
Durham, NC 27704
Dr. Bolognesi performs more knee replacement procedures than 94% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #13 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Bolognesi
Practice. Dr. Michael Bolognesi is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 121 knee replacements and 61 hip replacements, 182 procedures in all. That is #13 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 145 procedures a year to 182, up 26%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 121 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Durham has 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 45 | 100 |
| 2014 | 52 | 98 |
| 2015 | 42 | 136 |
| 2016 | 49 | 131 |
| 2017 | 55 | 135 |
| 2018 | 39 | 178 |
| 2019 | 38 | 140 |
| 2020 | 37 | 129 |
| 2021 | 23 | 117 |
| 2022 | 32 | 100 |
| 2023 | 28 | 118 |
| 2024 | 61 | 121 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Bolognesi's total volume across all insurers at roughly 620 to 770 procedures against the 182 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
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, Duke Regional 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); Duke Regional Hospital (4 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.