Dr. Christopher Metz, MD
Contact & Location
Brainerd, MN 56401
Dr. Christopher Metz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Brainerd, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Metz has performed 33 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#45 in Minnesota) and 18 hip replacements, for a combined total of 51 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Metz performs near average in knee (33 vs 30 avg), below average in hip (18 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Metz's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (33 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Brainerd is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Brainerd area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Metz extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 38 to 51 in the most recent data, a 34% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Metz's 33 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 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. Metz Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Metz's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 34% from 38 procedures in 2013 to 51 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA 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.
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. Metz
How does Dr. Metz's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Metz has performed 51 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Metz ranks #55 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Metz perform?
Dr. Metz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (33 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Metz in Brainerd?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd 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. Metz 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. Metz's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 51 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Metz's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Metz's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 38 procedures in 2013 to 51 in the most recent data, a 34% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 81 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Metz perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Metz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (33 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Metz affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Metz is affiliated with Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center.
How does Dr. Metz compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd, Dr. Metz ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Metz has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Metz practices?
Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Brainerd, Minnesota
Dr. Metz's 51 Medicare procedures are above the Brainerd average of 28. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Brainerd.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicholas Lesmeister | 20 | Hip |
| Dr. Amy Lelwica | 14 | 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.