Dr. Bradley Kuzel, M.D.
Contact & Location
Duluth, MN 55805
Dr. Bradley Kuzel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. Dr. Kuzel has performed 20 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #19 in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Dr. Kuzel performs near average in shoulder (20 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Kuzel's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 20 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.
Duluth is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Duluth area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Kuzel also maintains hospital privileges in MN and WI, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Minnesota.
Dr. Kuzel's Medicare data spans 8 years, beginning in 2016. Volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2021 before settling at 20 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Kuzel's 20 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Kuzel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kuzel's recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2021 and stood at 20 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.
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.
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. Kuzel
How does Dr. Kuzel's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Kuzel has performed 20 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Minnesota average is 43 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kuzel ranks #131 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kuzel perform?
Dr. Kuzel's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Kuzel with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Kuzel ranks #19 in Minnesota for shoulder replacement with 20 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 187 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kuzel in Duluth?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth 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 Minnesota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Kuzel 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. Kuzel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kuzel's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Kuzel's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2021 and was 20 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. Kuzel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kuzel is affiliated with Essentia Health Duluth, Essentia Health Virginia, Spooner Health System, Ely - Bloomenson Community Hospital, Essentia Health St Mary'S Hospital - Superior. Dr. Kuzel maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Kuzel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Duluth?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Kuzel ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Duluth has 44 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kuzel practices?
Essentia Health Duluth (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Essentia Health Virginia (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 Duluth, Minnesota
Dr. Kuzel's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Duluth average of 33. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Duluth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Momont | 44 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Rother | 38 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Rust | 38 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Fogarty | 35 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Gibbons | 28 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Harms | 25 | Hip, 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.