Dr. Michael Merz, MD
Dr. Michael Merz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Merz has performed 39 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#102 in North Carolina) and 35 hip replacements, for a combined total of 74 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Merz performs near average in knee (39 vs 44 avg), near average in hip (35 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Merz's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (39 cases) and hip replacements (35 cases).
Durham is home to 19 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.
Dr. Merz's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2014. Volume peaked at 107 procedures in 2015 before settling at 74 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Merz's 39 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Merz Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Durham, NC 27704
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Merz's recorded volume peaked at 107 procedures in 2015 and stood at 74 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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. Merz
How does Dr. Merz's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Merz has performed 74 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Merz ranks #81 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Merz perform?
Dr. Merz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases) and hip replacement (35 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Merz in Durham?
Yes. There are 19 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. Merz 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. Merz's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 74 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Merz's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Merz's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 107 procedures in 2015 and was 74 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Merz perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Merz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases), hip replacement (35 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Merz affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Merz is affiliated with North Carolina Specialty Hospital.
How does Dr. Merz compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Merz ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 146 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Merz practices?
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 Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Merz's 74 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 95. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bolognesi | 146 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Wellman | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rutherford | 113 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Brekke | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Klifto | 66 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thorsten Seyler | 61 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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