Dr. Christopher Forthman, M.D.
Contact & Location
410-296-6232
Lutherville, MD 21093
Dr. Forthman performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 62% of orthopedic surgeons in Maryland, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #14 of 37 ranked shoulder surgeons in Maryland.
About Dr. Forthman
Practice. Dr. Christopher Forthman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lutherville, Maryland. The latest annual CMS data records 33 shoulder replacements. That is #14 in Maryland for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 56 in 2022 and stands at 33 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 33 procedures is near the national average of 29.
Local context. Lutherville 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 |
| 2014 | 28 |
| 2015 | 41 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2017 | 43 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 41 |
| 2021 | 47 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2024 | 33 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Forthman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Forthman's recorded volume peaked at 56 procedures in 2022 and stood at 33 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Forthman
How does Dr. Forthman's procedure volume compare to other Maryland surgeons?
Dr. Forthman has performed 33 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Maryland average is 71 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Forthman ranks #106 out of 166 orthopedic surgeons in Maryland.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Forthman perform?
Dr. Forthman's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 33 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Forthman with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Forthman ranks #14 in Maryland for shoulder replacement with 33 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 166 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Forthman in Lutherville?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Lutherville 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 Maryland surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Forthman 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Forthman's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 33 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. Forthman's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Forthman's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 56 procedures in 2022 and was 33 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Forthman affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Forthman is affiliated with Medstar Union Memorial Hospital, Carroll Hospital Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Forthman practices?
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Carroll Hospital Center (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 Lutherville, Maryland
Dr. Forthman's 33 Medicare procedures are below the Lutherville average of 54. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lutherville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Edward McFarland | 75 | 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.