Dr. Kristoffer Breien, M.D.
Contact & Location
651-968-5201
Eagan, MN 55121
Dr. Breien performs more knee replacement procedures than 91% of orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #12 of 144 ranked knee surgeons in Minnesota.
About Dr. Breien
Practice. Dr. Kristoffer Breien is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Eagan, Minnesota. The latest annual CMS data records 64 knee replacements and 48 hip replacements, 112 procedures in all. That is #12 in Minnesota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 14 procedures a year to 112, up 700%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 64 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Eagan has 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 14 |
| 2014 | 20 | 50 |
| 2015 | 20 | 22 |
| 2016 | 21 | 27 |
| 2017 | 13 | 23 |
| 2018 | 27 | 30 |
| 2019 | 41 | 61 |
| 2020 | 26 | 61 |
| 2021 | 58 | 76 |
| 2022 | 47 | 75 |
| 2023 | 45 | 83 |
| 2024 | 48 | 64 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Breien Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Breien's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 700% from 14 procedures in 2013 to 112 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.
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. Breien
How does Dr. Breien's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Breien has performed 112 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Breien ranks #11 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Breien perform?
Dr. Breien's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (64 cases) and hip replacement (48 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Breien with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Breien ranks #12 in Minnesota for knee replacement with 64 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 187 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Breien in Eagan?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Eagan 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. Breien represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Breien's total volume across all insurers at roughly 370 to 470 procedures against the 112 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Breien's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Breien's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2013 to 112 in the most recent data, a 700% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 134 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Breien perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Breien's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (64 cases), hip replacement (48 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Breien affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Breien is affiliated with M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, United Hospital.
How does Dr. Breien compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Eagan?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Eagan, Dr. Breien ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Breien has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Breien practices?
M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Abbott Northwestern Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); United 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 Eagan, Minnesota
Dr. Breien's 112 Medicare procedures are above the Eagan average of 43. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Eagan.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Matthew Nies | 56 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brandon Kelly | 21 | Hip |
| Dr. Christopher Laprade | 14 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Erik Stroemer | 13 | 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.