Dr. Russell Rauls, MD
Contact & Location
870-424-3400
Mountain Home, AR 72653
About Dr. Rauls
Dr. Russell Rauls is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Mountain Home, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Rauls completed 65 knee replacements (#18 in Arkansas), 29 hip replacements, and 15 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 109 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Arkansas, Dr. Rauls performs above the state average in knee (65 vs 47), near the state average in hip (29 vs 35), below the state average in shoulder (15 vs 23).
Dr. Rauls performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (65 cases), followed by hip replacements (29) and shoulder replacements (15).
Mountain Home is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Mountain Home area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Rauls also maintains hospital privileges in AR and MO, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Arkansas.
Medicare records for Dr. Rauls extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 71 to 109 in the most recent data, a 54% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rauls's 65 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 23 | 37 | 11 |
| 2014 | 23 | 37 | 13 |
| 2015 | 29 | 69 | 12 |
| 2016 | 30 | 54 | 13 |
| 2017 | 38 | 46 | 12 |
| 2018 | 35 | 66 | 13 |
| 2019 | 27 | 65 | 14 |
| 2020 | 16 | 56 | 13 |
| 2021 | 21 | 33 | 15 |
| 2022 | 28 | 50 | 15 |
| 2023 | 17 | 61 | 18 |
| 2024 | 29 | 65 | 15 |
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. Rauls Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rauls's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 54% from 71 procedures in 2013 to 109 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.
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.
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 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. Rauls
How does Dr. Rauls's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Rauls has performed 109 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Arkansas average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rauls ranks #17 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rauls perform?
Dr. Rauls performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (65 cases), hip replacement (29 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Rauls with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Rauls ranks #18 in Arkansas for knee replacement with 65 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 89 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rauls in Mountain Home?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Mountain Home 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 Arkansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Rauls 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. Rauls's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 109 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Rauls's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Rauls's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 71 procedures in 2013 to 109 in the most recent data, a 54% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 114 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Rauls perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Rauls's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (65 cases), hip replacement (29 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Rauls among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Rauls affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rauls is affiliated with Baxter Health, Ozarks Healthcare. Dr. Rauls maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Rauls compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Mountain Home?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Mountain Home, Dr. Rauls ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Rauls has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rauls practices?
Baxter Health (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate above national average); Ozarks Healthcare (2 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 Mountain Home, Arkansas
Dr. Rauls's 109 Medicare procedures are above the Mountain Home average of 56. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Mountain Home.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason McConnell | 60 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Merwin Moore | 58 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Knox | 39 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Souder | 16 | 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.