Dr. Michael Lauffenburger, MD
Contact & Location
704-323-2000
Winston Salem, NC 27103
About Dr. Lauffenburger
Dr. Michael Lauffenburger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Winston Salem, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Lauffenburger performed 30 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #22 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Lauffenburger performs near the state average in shoulder (30 vs 26).
Dr. Lauffenburger's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 30 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
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. Lauffenburger extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 30 in the most recent data, a 173% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Lauffenburger's 30 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 30 |
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. Lauffenburger Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in North Carolina
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lauffenburger's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 173% from 11 procedures in 2016 to 30 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Lauffenburger
How does Dr. Lauffenburger's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Lauffenburger has performed 30 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. Lauffenburger ranks #192 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lauffenburger perform?
Dr. Lauffenburger's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 30 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lauffenburger 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. Lauffenburger 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. Lauffenburger's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 30 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lauffenburger's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lauffenburger's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2016 to 30 in the most recent data, a 173% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 30 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lauffenburger affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lauffenburger is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Lauffenburger compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Winston Salem?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Winston Salem, Dr. Lauffenburger ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Winston Salem has 232 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lauffenburger practices?
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average); Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital (3 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 Winston Salem, North Carolina
Dr. Lauffenburger's 30 Medicare procedures are below the Winston Salem average of 90. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Winston Salem.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Howe | 232 | Hip, Knee |
| 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. 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.