#6 in Minnesota
Shoulder

Dr. Michael Freehill, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
35 procedures 2 hospitals Plymouth, MN
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 35 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Michael Freehill is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Plymouth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Freehill has performed 35 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #6 in Minnesota.

In Minnesota, Dr. Freehill performs above average in shoulder (35 vs 26 avg).

Dr. Freehill's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 35 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Plymouth is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Plymouth area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Freehill extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 35 in the most recent data, a 84% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Freehill's 35 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
35 verified cases
#6 in Minnesota
Estimated total: 90 – 110 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Freehill Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.

Shoulder High
35 Avg: 26
Dr. Freehill Minnesota Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 651-968-5201
15700 37th Ave N Ste 150
Plymouth, MN 55446
NPI: 1306894845
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Freehill's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 84% from 19 procedures in 2013 to 35 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 35
Peak Volume 53 (2019)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
★★★★☆
Minneapolis, MN
Similar to national avg
H
Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center
★★★★★
Brainerd, MN
Similar to national avg

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.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Freehill

How does Dr. Freehill's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?

Dr. Freehill 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. Freehill ranks #90 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Freehill perform?

Dr. Freehill's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 35 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

How experienced is Dr. Freehill with shoulder replacement surgery?

Dr. Freehill ranks #6 in Minnesota for shoulder replacement with 35 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 179 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Freehill in Plymouth?

Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Plymouth 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. Freehill 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. Freehill's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Freehill's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Freehill's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2013 to 35 in the most recent data, a 84% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2019.

Which hospitals is Dr. Freehill affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Freehill is affiliated with Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Freehill practices?

Abbott Northwestern Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center (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.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Plymouth, Minnesota

Dr. Freehill's 35 Medicare procedures are above the Plymouth average of 23. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Plymouth.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Brian Walters 11 Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Michael Freehill, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mn/dr-michael-freehill-plymouth.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mn/dr-michael-freehill-plymouth.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.