Dr. David Rust, MD
Contact & Location
Duluth, MN 55805
Dr. David Rust is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Rust has performed 27 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#11 in Minnesota) and 11 knee replacements, for a combined total of 38 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Rust performs near average in shoulder (27 vs 24 avg), below average in knee (11 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Rust's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (27 cases) and knee replacements (11 cases).
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.
Medicare records for Dr. Rust extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 23 to 38 in the most recent data, a 65% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rust's 27 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
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. Rust Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rust's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 65% from 23 procedures in 2016 to 38 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Rust
How does Dr. Rust's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Rust has performed 38 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rust ranks #84 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rust perform?
Dr. Rust's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (27 cases) and knee replacement (11 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Rust with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Rust ranks #11 in Minnesota for shoulder replacement with 27 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 187 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rust 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. Rust 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. Rust's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 38 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Rust's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Rust's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2016 to 38 in the most recent data, a 65% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 38 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Rust perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Rust's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (27 cases), knee replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Rust affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rust is affiliated with Peacehealth St Joseph Medical Center, Peacehealth Peace Island Medical Center. Dr. Rust maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Rust compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Duluth?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Rust ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Rust is among the highest-volume surgeons in Duluth.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rust practices?
Peacehealth St Joseph Medical Center (4 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 Duluth, Minnesota
Dr. Rust's 38 Medicare procedures are above 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 Fogarty | 35 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Gibbons | 28 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Harms | 25 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Kuzel | 20 | 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.