Dr. Michael Ruffolo, MD
Dr. Michael Ruffolo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Raleigh, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Ruffolo has performed 47 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#78 in North Carolina) and 23 hip replacements, for a combined total of 70 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Ruffolo performs near average in knee (47 vs 44 avg), below average in hip (23 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Ruffolo's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (47 cases) and hip replacements (23 cases).
Raleigh is home to 25 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Raleigh area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ruffolo extend back to 2017, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 47 to 70 in the most recent data, a 49% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ruffolo's 47 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. Ruffolo Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Raleigh, NC 27610
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ruffolo's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 49% from 47 procedures in 2017 to 70 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Ruffolo
How does Dr. Ruffolo's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Ruffolo has performed 70 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ruffolo ranks #88 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ruffolo perform?
Dr. Ruffolo's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ruffolo in Raleigh?
Yes. There are 25 orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh 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. Ruffolo 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. Ruffolo's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 70 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ruffolo's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ruffolo's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 47 procedures in 2017 to 70 in the most recent data, a 49% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 70 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Ruffolo perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ruffolo's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ruffolo affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ruffolo is affiliated with Wakemed, Wakemed.
How does Dr. Ruffolo compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh?
Among the 25 orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh, Dr. Ruffolo ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Raleigh has 245 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ruffolo practices?
Wakemed (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Wakemed (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 Raleigh, North Carolina
Dr. Ruffolo's 70 Medicare procedures are below the Raleigh average of 145. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Raleigh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bradley Vaughn | 245 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Chiavetta | 193 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Tyler Watters | 144 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Rhett Hallows | 134 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David McNabb | 116 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Wyker | 111 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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