Dr. Michael Ruffolo, MD
Contact & Location
919-232-5020
Raleigh, NC 27610
About Dr. Ruffolo
Dr. Michael Ruffolo is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Raleigh, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Ruffolo performed 49 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#64 in North Carolina) and 27 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 76 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Ruffolo performs near the state average in knee (49 vs 44), near the state average in hip (27 vs 33).
Dr. Ruffolo's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (49 cases) and hip replacements (27 cases).
Raleigh is home to 30 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 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 47 to 76 in the most recent data, a 62% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ruffolo's 49 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 16 | 31 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 21 | 23 |
| 2020 | 25 | 31 |
| 2021 | 21 | 26 |
| 2022 | 21 | 44 |
| 2023 | 23 | 47 |
| 2024 | 27 | 49 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ruffolo's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 62% from 47 procedures in 2017 to 76 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 76 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ruffolo ranks #72 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ruffolo perform?
Dr. Ruffolo's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (49 cases) and hip replacement (27 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ruffolo in Raleigh?
Yes. There are 30 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 76 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 76 in the most recent data, a 62% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 76 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Ruffolo perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ruffolo's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (49 cases), hip replacement (27 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 30 orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh, Dr. Ruffolo ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Raleigh has 233 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 76 Medicare procedures are below the Raleigh average of 141. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Raleigh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bradley Vaughn | 233 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Chiavetta | 231 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Tyler Watters | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David McNabb | 119 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Wyker | 109 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Eskildsen | 77 | 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.