Dr. Michael Baer, M.D.
Dr. Michael Baer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Baer has performed 18 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#57 in Minnesota) and 17 knee replacements, for a combined total of 35 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Baer performs below average in hip (18 vs 27 avg), below average in knee (17 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Baer's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (18 cases) and knee replacements (17 cases).
Minneapolis is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Minneapolis area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Baer's Medicare data spans 3 years, beginning in 2021. Volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2022 before settling at 35 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Baer's 18 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 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. Baer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Baer's recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2022 and stood at 35 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Baer
How does Dr. Baer's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Baer has performed 35 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. Baer ranks #88 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Baer perform?
Dr. Baer's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (18 cases) and knee replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Baer in Minneapolis?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Minneapolis 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. Baer 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. Baer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Baer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Baer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2022 and was 35 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. Baer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Baer's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (18 cases), knee replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Baer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Baer is affiliated with Maple Grove Hospital, M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital.
How does Dr. Baer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Minneapolis?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Minneapolis, Dr. Baer ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Minneapolis has 77 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Baer practices?
Maple Grove Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital (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 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dr. Baer's 35 Medicare procedures are below the Minneapolis average of 44. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Minneapolis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patrick Horst | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Morgan | 55 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Nemanich | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Hoogervorst | 38 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alicia Harrison | 28 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Joel Boyd | 23 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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