Dr. Michael Eckstrom, M.D.
Dr. Michael Eckstrom is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Albert Lea, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Eckstrom has performed 29 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#66 in Minnesota) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 44 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Eckstrom performs near average in knee (29 vs 32 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Eckstrom's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (29 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Dr. Eckstrom is the only orthopedic surgeon in Albert Lea represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Eckstrom extend back to 2013, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 17 to 44 in the most recent data, a 159% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Eckstrom's 29 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Eckstrom Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Eckstrom's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 159% from 17 procedures in 2013 to 44 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 44 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Eckstrom ranks #73 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Eckstrom perform?
Dr. Eckstrom's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (29 cases) and hip replacement (15 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 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. Eckstrom's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 44 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Eckstrom's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Eckstrom's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 17 procedures in 2013 to 44 in the most recent data, a 159% increase over 10 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 (29 cases), hip replacement (15 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 Reviews & Ratings
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