Dr. Joel Zamzow, M.D.
Dr. Joel Zamzow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Zamzow has performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#81 in Minnesota) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 37 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Zamzow performs below average in knee (23 vs 32 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Zamzow's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (23 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Duluth is home to 10 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. Zamzow's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 52 procedures in 2015 before settling at 37 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Zamzow's 23 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Zamzow Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Duluth, MN 55805
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Zamzow's recorded volume peaked at 52 procedures in 2015 and stood at 37 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
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. Zamzow
How does Dr. Zamzow's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Zamzow has performed 37 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Minnesota average is 47 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Zamzow ranks #85 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Zamzow perform?
Dr. Zamzow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Zamzow in Duluth?
Yes. There are 10 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. Zamzow 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. Zamzow's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 37 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Zamzow's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Zamzow's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 52 procedures in 2015 and was 37 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.
Does Dr. Zamzow perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Zamzow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Zamzow compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Duluth?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Zamzow ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Zamzow is among the highest-volume surgeons in Duluth.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Duluth, Minnesota
Dr. Zamzow's 37 Medicare procedures are above the Duluth average of 34. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Duluth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Momont | 64 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Joshua Rother | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Rust | 28 | Shoulder |
| Dr. William Lundberg | 27 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fogarty | 23 | Knee |
| Dr. Tyler Larson | 17 | Knee |
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