Dr. David Burns, DO
Contact & Location
Wakefield, RI 02879
Dr. David Burns is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Dr. Burns has performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#14 in Rhode Island) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 47 procedures.
In Rhode Island, Dr. Burns performs below average in knee (30 vs 40 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Burns's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (30 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).
Wakefield is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wakefield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Burns's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2017 before settling at 47 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Burns's 30 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 Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Burns Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Rhode Island state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Burns's recorded volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2017 and stood at 47 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Burns
How does Dr. Burns's procedure volume compare to other Rhode Island surgeons?
Dr. Burns has performed 47 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Rhode Island average of 53 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Burns ranks #14 out of 31 orthopedic surgeons in Rhode Island.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Burns perform?
Dr. Burns's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Burns with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Burns ranks #14 in Rhode Island for knee replacement with 30 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 31 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Burns in Wakefield?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Wakefield 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 Rhode Island surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Burns 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. Burns's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 47 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Burns's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Burns's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2017 and was 47 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Burns perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Burns's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Burns affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Burns is affiliated with South County Hospital Inc.
How does Dr. Burns compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wakefield?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Wakefield, Dr. Burns ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Burns is among the highest-volume surgeons in Wakefield.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Burns practices?
South County Hospital Inc (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 Wakefield, Rhode Island
Dr. Burns's 47 Medicare procedures are below the Wakefield average of 117. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wakefield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Marchand | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Bradley | 96 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.