Dr. Richard Rutherford, M.D.
Contact & Location
919-220-5255
Durham, NC 27704
Asheville, NC 28801
Dr. Rutherford performs more knee replacement procedures than 85% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #32 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Rutherford
Practice. Dr. Richard Rutherford is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 80 knee replacements and 35 hip replacements, 115 procedures in all. That is #32 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2011.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 9 years. Volume rose from 39 procedures a year to 115, up 195%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 80 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Durham has 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 13 | 26 |
| 2017 | 33 | 63 |
| 2018 | 21 | 15 |
| 2019 | 0 | 13 |
| 2020 | 22 | 33 |
| 2021 | 38 | 55 |
| 2022 | 44 | 64 |
| 2023 | 46 | 67 |
| 2024 | 35 | 80 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Rutherford Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rutherford's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 195% from 39 procedures in 2016 to 115 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 115 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rutherford ranks #45 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rutherford perform?
Dr. Rutherford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (80 cases) and hip replacement (35 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rutherford in Durham?
Yes. There are 15 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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Rutherford's total volume across all insurers at roughly 390 to 490 procedures against the 115 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Rutherford's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Rutherford's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 39 procedures in 2016 to 115 in the most recent data, a 195% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 115 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Rutherford perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Rutherford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (80 cases), hip replacement (35 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, Unc Hospitals, Duke Regional Hospital.
How does Dr. Rutherford compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Rutherford ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durham has 182 verified Medicare procedures.
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); Unc Hospitals (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 115 Medicare procedures are below the Durham average of 117. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durham.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bolognesi | 182 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Brekke | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Wellman | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Klifto | 98 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Merz | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Ransone | 62 | 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.