Dr. Samuel Wellman, M.D.
Dr. Samuel Wellman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Wellman has performed 76 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#34 in North Carolina) and 48 hip replacements, for a combined total of 124 procedures.
In North Carolina, Dr. Wellman performs above average in knee (76 vs 44 avg), above average in hip (48 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Wellman's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (76 cases) and hip replacements (48 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. Wellman extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 91 to 124 in the most recent data, a 36% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wellman's 76 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. Wellman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Durham, NC 27710
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wellman's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 36% from 91 procedures in 2013 to 124 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Wellman
How does Dr. Wellman's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Wellman has performed 124 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the North Carolina average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wellman ranks #37 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wellman perform?
Dr. Wellman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (76 cases) and hip replacement (48 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wellman 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. Wellman 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. Wellman's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 124 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wellman's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wellman's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 91 procedures in 2013 to 124 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 124 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Wellman perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wellman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (76 cases), hip replacement (48 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wellman affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wellman is affiliated with Duke University Hospital.
How does Dr. Wellman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 19 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Wellman ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Wellman is among the highest-volume surgeons in Durham.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wellman practices?
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. Wellman's 124 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. Richard Rutherford | 113 | 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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