Shoulder
Dr. Christopher Forthman, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Forthman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lutherville, Maryland. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Forthman has performed 45 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #11 in Maryland.
In Maryland, Dr. Forthman performs above average in shoulder (45 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Forthman's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 45 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Lutherville is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lutherville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Forthman extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 20 to 45 in the most recent data, a 125% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Forthman's 45 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.
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. Forthman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maryland state average.
Contact & Location
Lutherville, MD 21093
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Forthman's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 125% from 20 procedures in 2013 to 45 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 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 45 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Maryland average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Forthman ranks #88 out of 161 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 45 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 #11 in Maryland for shoulder replacement with 45 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 161 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 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. Forthman's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 45 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Forthman's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Forthman's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 20 procedures in 2013 to 45 in the most recent data, a 125% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 56 procedures in 2022.
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 45 Medicare procedures are below the Lutherville average of 61. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lutherville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Edward McFarland | 76 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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