Dr. Samuel Wellman, M.D.
Contact & Location
919-684-8111
Durham, NC 27710
Dr. Wellman performs more knee replacement procedures than 90% of orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #22 of 228 ranked knee surgeons in North Carolina.
About Dr. Wellman
Practice. Dr. Samuel Wellman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durham, North Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 101 knee replacements and 40 hip replacements, 141 procedures in all. That is #22 in North Carolina for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 91 procedures a year to 141, up 55%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 101 procedures is more than 2x 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 | 52 | 39 |
| 2014 | 41 | 58 |
| 2015 | 38 | 58 |
| 2016 | 32 | 45 |
| 2017 | 40 | 63 |
| 2018 | 42 | 68 |
| 2019 | 41 | 67 |
| 2020 | 44 | 60 |
| 2021 | 43 | 66 |
| 2022 | 33 | 59 |
| 2023 | 48 | 76 |
| 2024 | 40 | 101 |
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. Wellman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wellman's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 55% from 91 procedures in 2013 to 141 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 141 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the North Carolina average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wellman ranks #33 out of 293 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wellman perform?
Dr. Wellman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (101 cases) and hip replacement (40 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wellman 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. Wellman 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. Wellman's total volume across all insurers at roughly 480 to 600 procedures against the 141 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. Wellman's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wellman's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 91 procedures in 2013 to 141 in the most recent data, a 55% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 141 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Wellman perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wellman's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (101 cases), hip replacement (40 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, Duke Regional Hospital.
How does Dr. Wellman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durham?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Durham, Dr. Wellman ranks #3 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); Duke Regional Hospital (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 Durham, North Carolina
Dr. Wellman's 141 Medicare procedures are above 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. Richard Rutherford | 115 | 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.