#68 Knee
#73 Hip

Dr. Joshua Rother, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
42 procedures 3 hospitals Duluth, MN
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 15 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 27 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Joshua Rother is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Rother has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#68 in Minnesota) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.

In Minnesota, Dr. Rother performs near average in knee (27 vs 32 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 27 avg).

Dr. Rother's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and hip replacements (15 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.

Medicare records for Dr. Rother extend back to 2013, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 36 to 42 in the most recent data, a 17% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Dr. Rother's 27 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

Knee Replacement
27 verified cases
#68 in Minnesota
Hip Replacement
15 verified cases
#73 in Minnesota
Estimated total: 110 – 130 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Rother Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.

Hip Below Avg
15 Avg: 27
Knee Average
27 Avg: 32
Dr. Rother Minnesota Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 218-722-1321
1000 E 1st St
Duluth, MN 55805
NPI: 1417900358
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Rother's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 17% from 36 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 10
2023 Volume 42
Peak Volume 46 (2019)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Grand Itasca Clinic And Hospital
★★★★☆
Grand Rapids, MN
Low case volume
H
Aspirus St Lukes Hospital
★★★☆☆
Duluth, MN
Similar to national avg
H
Cook Hospital
Cook, MN

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Rother

How does Dr. Rother's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?

Dr. Rother has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rother ranks #77 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rother perform?

Dr. Rother's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rother 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. Rother 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. Rother's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Rother's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Rother's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 36 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data, a 17% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 46 procedures in 2019.

Does Dr. Rother perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Rother's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Rother affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rother is affiliated with Grand Itasca Clinic And Hospital, Aspirus St Lukes Hospital, Cook Hospital.

How does Dr. Rother compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Duluth?

Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Rother ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Rother is among the highest-volume surgeons in Duluth.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rother practices?

Grand Itasca Clinic And Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Aspirus St Lukes Hospital (3 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. Rother's 42 Medicare procedures are above the Duluth average of 34. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Duluth.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Michael Momont 64 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Joel Zamzow 37 Hip, Knee
Dr. David Rust 28 Shoulder
Dr. William Lundberg 27 Hip, Knee
Dr. David Fogarty 23 Knee
Dr. Tyler Larson 17 Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Joshua Rother, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mn/dr-joshua-rother-duluth.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mn/dr-joshua-rother-duluth.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.