Dr. Darren Plummer, M.D.
Contact & Location
208-457-4211
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814
Dr. Plummer performs more knee replacement procedures than 13% of orthopedic surgeons in Idaho, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #45 of 52 ranked knee surgeons in Idaho.
About Dr. Plummer
Practice. Dr. Darren Plummer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Coeur D Alene, Idaho. The latest annual CMS data records 15 knee replacements. That is #45 in Idaho for knee replacement. Dr. Plummer also holds credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2020 to 2024, 5 years. Volume peaked at 52 in 2023 and stands at 15 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 15 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Coeur D Alene has 9 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 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 | 12 | 17 |
| 2022 | 19 | 19 |
| 2023 | 18 | 34 |
| 2024 | 0 | 15 |
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. 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. Plummer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Idaho state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Plummer's recorded volume peaked at 52 procedures in 2023 and stood at 15 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Plummer
How does Dr. Plummer's procedure volume compare to other Idaho surgeons?
Dr. Plummer has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Idaho average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Plummer ranks #60 out of 70 orthopedic surgeons in Idaho.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Plummer perform?
Dr. Plummer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Plummer in Coeur D Alene?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Coeur D Alene 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 Idaho surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Plummer 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, which puts Dr. Plummer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 70 procedures against the 15 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. Plummer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Plummer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 52 procedures in 2023 and was 15 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.
How does Dr. Plummer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Coeur D Alene?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Coeur D Alene, Dr. Plummer ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Coeur D Alene has 198 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Coeur D Alene, Idaho
Dr. Plummer's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Coeur D Alene average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Coeur D Alene.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas McInnis | 198 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Smith | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Lucas Anderson | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Roger Dunteman | 82 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Richard Stowell | 35 | Shoulder |
| Dr. William Sims | 27 | 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.