Dr. Dragos MacElaru, MD
Dr. Dragos MacElaru is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Canton, New York. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. MacElaru has performed 17 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#209 in New York) and 11 hip replacements, for a combined total of 28 procedures.
In New York, Dr. MacElaru performs below average in knee (17 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (11 vs 42 avg).
Dr. MacElaru's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (17 cases) and hip replacements (11 cases).
Dr. MacElaru is the only orthopedic surgeon in Canton represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. MacElaru's Medicare record spans 7 years from 2015 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 12 to 29 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. MacElaru's 17 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. MacElaru Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Contact & Location
Canton, NY 13617
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. MacElaru's procedure volume has been consistent across 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 29 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. MacElaru
How does Dr. MacElaru's procedure volume compare to other New York surgeons?
Dr. MacElaru has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New York average is 67 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. MacElaru ranks #222 out of 338 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. MacElaru perform?
Dr. MacElaru's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (17 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
Where is Dr. MacElaru's practice located?
Dr. MacElaru practices in Canton, New York. The office is located at 6119 Us Highway 11, Canton, NY 13617. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. MacElaru for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. MacElaru 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. MacElaru's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 28 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. MacElaru's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. MacElaru's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 29 procedures per year between 2015 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. MacElaru perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. MacElaru's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (17 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. MacElaru affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. MacElaru is affiliated with Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Slhs Massena, Inc, The University Of Vermont Health Network-Alice Hy.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. MacElaru practices?
Canton-Potsdam Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); The University Of Vermont Health Network-Alice Hy (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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