Dr. Michael Eckstrom, M.D.
Contact & Location
507-373-2384
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Dr. Eckstrom performs more knee replacement procedures than 53% of orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #67 of 144 ranked knee surgeons in Minnesota.
About Dr. Eckstrom
Practice. Dr. Michael Eckstrom is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The latest annual CMS data records 26 knee replacements and 20 hip replacements, 46 procedures in all. That is #67 in Minnesota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 11 years. Volume rose from 17 procedures a year to 46, up 171%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 26 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 17 |
| 2014 | 11 | 17 |
| 2015 | 0 | 30 |
| 2016 | 0 | 19 |
| 2017 | 0 | 11 |
| 2018 | 0 | 16 |
| 2019 | 15 | 13 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 11 | 34 |
| 2022 | 13 | 45 |
| 2023 | 15 | 29 |
| 2024 | 20 | 26 |
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. Eckstrom Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Eckstrom's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 171% from 17 procedures in 2013 to 46 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Eckstrom
How does Dr. Eckstrom's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Eckstrom has performed 46 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Eckstrom ranks #67 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Eckstrom perform?
Dr. Eckstrom's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases) and hip replacement (20 cases).
Where is Dr. Eckstrom's practice located?
Dr. Eckstrom practices in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The office is located at 404 W Fountain St, Albert Lea, MN 56007. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Eckstrom for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Eckstrom 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. Eckstrom's total volume across all insurers at roughly 150 to 190 procedures against the 46 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. Eckstrom's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Eckstrom's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 17 procedures in 2013 to 46 in the most recent data, a 171% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 58 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Eckstrom perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Eckstrom's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Eckstrom affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Eckstrom is affiliated with Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea And Austin.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Eckstrom practices?
Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea And Austin (5 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.
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.