Dr. Michael Taunton, M.D.
Contact & Location
Rochester, MN 55905
Dr. Michael Taunton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rochester, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Taunton has performed 79 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#2 in Minnesota) and 55 knee replacements, for a combined total of 134 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Taunton performs well above average in hip (79 vs 26 avg), above average in knee (55 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Taunton's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (79 cases) and knee replacements (55 cases).
Rochester is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Rochester area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Taunton's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 105 to 155 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Taunton's 79 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 36.
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. Taunton Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Taunton's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 105 to 155 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 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Taunton
How does Dr. Taunton's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Taunton has performed 134 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Taunton ranks #5 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Taunton perform?
Dr. Taunton's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (79 cases) and knee replacement (55 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Taunton with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Taunton ranks #2 in Minnesota for hip replacement with 79 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 187 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Taunton in Rochester?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Rochester 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. Taunton 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. Taunton's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 134 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Taunton's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Taunton's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 105 to 155 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Taunton perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Taunton's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (79 cases), knee replacement (55 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Taunton affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Taunton is affiliated with Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester.
How does Dr. Taunton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rochester?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Rochester, Dr. Taunton ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Taunton is among the highest-volume surgeons in Rochester.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Taunton practices?
Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester (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 Rochester, Minnesota
Dr. Taunton's 134 Medicare procedures are above the Rochester average of 131. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rochester.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Trousdale | 169 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Ryan | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Perry | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Sperling | 117 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Tetreault | 116 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Brown | 111 | Hip, 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.