Dr. Michael Belanger, M.D.
Contact & Location
401-351-6200
Johnston, RI 02919
Dr. Belanger performs more knee replacement procedures than 17% of orthopedic surgeons in Rhode Island, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #19 of 23 ranked knee surgeons in Rhode Island.
About Dr. Belanger
Practice. Dr. Michael Belanger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Johnston, Rhode Island. The latest annual CMS data records 16 knee replacements and 13 hip replacements, 29 procedures in all. That is #19 in Rhode Island for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 13 and 39 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 16 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Johnston has 2 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 | 18 | 14 |
| 2014 | 11 | 16 |
| 2015 | 12 | 14 |
| 2016 | 18 | 15 |
| 2017 | 12 | 20 |
| 2018 | 0 | 18 |
| 2019 | 11 | 20 |
| 2020 | 13 | 0 |
| 2021 | 11 | 15 |
| 2022 | 17 | 22 |
| 2023 | 0 | 23 |
| 2024 | 13 | 16 |
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. Belanger Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Rhode Island state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Belanger's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 39 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.
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.
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. Belanger
How does Dr. Belanger's procedure volume compare to other Rhode Island surgeons?
Dr. Belanger has performed 29 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Rhode Island average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Belanger ranks #23 out of 28 orthopedic surgeons in Rhode Island.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Belanger perform?
Dr. Belanger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Belanger with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Belanger ranks #19 in Rhode Island for knee replacement with 16 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 28 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Belanger in Johnston?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Johnston 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. Belanger 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. Belanger's total volume across all insurers at roughly 100 to 120 procedures against the 29 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. Belanger's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Belanger's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 39 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Belanger perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Belanger's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Belanger affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Belanger is affiliated with Our Lady Of Fatima Hospital, Landmark Medical Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Belanger practices?
Our Lady Of Fatima Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Landmark Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars); Rhode Island Hospital (3 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Johnston, Rhode Island
Dr. Belanger's 29 Medicare procedures are above the Johnston average of 26. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Johnston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michel Arcand | 23 | 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.