Dr. David Kolessar, M.D.
Dr. David Kolessar is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kolessar has performed 95 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#36 in Pennsylvania) and 40 hip replacements, for a combined total of 135 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Kolessar performs well above average in knee (95 vs 45 avg), near average in hip (40 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Kolessar's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (95 cases) and hip replacements (40 cases).
Wilkes Barre is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wilkes Barre area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kolessar extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 97 to 135 in the most recent data, a 39% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kolessar's 95 verified procedures is more than 2x 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. Kolessar Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Wilkes Barre, PA 18711
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kolessar's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 39% from 97 procedures in 2013 to 135 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Kolessar
How does Dr. Kolessar's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Kolessar has performed 135 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Pennsylvania average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kolessar ranks #45 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kolessar perform?
Dr. Kolessar's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (95 cases) and hip replacement (40 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kolessar in Wilkes Barre?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Wilkes Barre 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kolessar 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. Kolessar's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 135 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kolessar's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kolessar's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 97 procedures in 2013 to 135 in the most recent data, a 39% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 135 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Kolessar perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Kolessar's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (95 cases), hip replacement (40 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kolessar affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kolessar is affiliated with Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.
How does Dr. Kolessar compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wilkes Barre?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Wilkes Barre, Dr. Kolessar ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kolessar has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kolessar practices?
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (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 Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Dr. Kolessar's 135 Medicare procedures are above the Wilkes Barre average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wilkes Barre.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Vanderbrook | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Murphy | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Pallis | 28 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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