Dr. Michael Baer, M.D.
Contact & Location
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Dr. Michael Baer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Baer has performed 26 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#65 in Minnesota) and 22 hip replacements, for a combined total of 48 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Baer performs near average in knee (26 vs 30 avg), near average in hip (22 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Baer's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (26 cases) and hip replacements (22 cases).
Minneapolis is home to 11 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 record spans 4 years from 2021 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 35 to 69 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Baer's 26 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 Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Baer's procedure volume has been consistent across 4 years of Medicare data, ranging from 35 to 69 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
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.
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. Baer
How does Dr. Baer's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Baer has performed 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Baer ranks #61 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Baer perform?
Dr. Baer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases) and hip replacement (22 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Baer in Minneapolis?
Yes. There are 11 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 48 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Baer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Baer's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 4 years of Medicare data, ranging from 35 to 69 procedures per year between 2021 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Baer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Baer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases), hip replacement (22 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 11 orthopedic surgeons in Minneapolis, Dr. Baer ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Baer is among the highest-volume surgeons in Minneapolis.
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 48 Medicare procedures are above the Minneapolis average of 39. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Minneapolis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Patrick Horst | 55 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Nemanich | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Hoogervorst | 41 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Morgan | 34 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alicia Harrison | 25 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Kirk Aadalen | 19 | 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.