Dr. Richard Rutherford, M.D.
Dr. Richard Rutherford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Rutherford has performed 67 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#43 in North Carolina) and 46 hip replacements, for a combined total of 113 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Rutherford performs above average in knee (67 vs 44 avg), above average in hip (46 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Rutherford's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (67 cases) and hip replacements (46 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Rutherford extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 39 to 113 in the most recent data, a 190% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rutherford's 67 verified procedures is above 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. Rutherford 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. Rutherford's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 190% from 39 procedures in 2016 to 113 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Rutherford
How does Dr. Rutherford's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Rutherford has performed 113 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rutherford ranks #48 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rutherford perform?
Dr. Rutherford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (67 cases) and hip replacement (46 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rutherford 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. Rutherford 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. Rutherford's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 113 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Rutherford's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Rutherford's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 39 procedures in 2016 to 113 in the most recent data, a 190% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 113 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Rutherford perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Rutherford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (67 cases), hip replacement (46 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Rutherford affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rutherford is affiliated with North Carolina Specialty Hospital, Duke University Hospital.
How does Dr. Rutherford compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Rutherford ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Rutherford is among the highest-volume surgeons in Durham.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rutherford practices?
North Carolina Specialty Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Duke University Hospital (5 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. Rutherford's 113 Medicare procedures are above 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. Adam Brekke | 79 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Merz | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Klifto | 66 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thorsten Seyler | 61 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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