Dr. Joshua Rother, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
38 procedures 3 hospitals Duluth, MN
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026

Contact & Location

Phone: 218-722-1321
Practice phone listed in the NPI registry
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
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety, all under $50
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 16 vs 36 avg (4,532 surgeons)
Knee 22 vs 45 avg (6,599 surgeons)

Dr. Joshua Rother is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Rother has performed 22 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#82 in Minnesota) and 16 hip replacements, for a combined total of 38 procedures.

In Minnesota, Dr. Rother performs below average in knee (22 vs 30 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 26 avg).

Dr. Rother's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (22 cases) and hip replacements (16 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.

Dr. Rother's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 12 to 46 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.

Dr. Rother's 22 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 Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
22 verified cases
#82 in Minnesota
Hip Replacement
16 verified cases
#79 in Minnesota
Estimated total: 100 – 120 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
16 Avg: 26
Knee Below Avg
22 Avg: 30
Dr. Rother Minnesota Average

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Rother's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 46 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.

Years of Data 11
2024 Volume 38
Peak Volume 46 (2019)
Trend Stable

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Grand Itasca Clinic And Hospital
4/5
Grand Rapids, MN
Low case volume
H
Aspirus St Lukes Hospital
3/5
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.

Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:

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 38 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rother ranks #82 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rother perform?

Dr. Rother's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases) and hip replacement (16 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rother 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. 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 38 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Rother's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 12 to 46 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.

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

Yes. Dr. Rother's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases), hip replacement (16 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 12 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 38 Medicare procedures are above the Duluth average of 33. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Duluth.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Michael Momont 44 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
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.

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.