Dr. Michael Torchia, M.D.
Contact & Location
218-786-8364
Duluth, MN 55805
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Dr. Torchia performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 30% of orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #29 of 42 ranked shoulder surgeons in Minnesota.
About Dr. Torchia
Practice. Dr. Michael Torchia is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. The latest annual CMS data records 16 shoulder replacements. That is #29 in Minnesota for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2015.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2021 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 16, up 23%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 16 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Duluth has 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Torchia also holds hospital privileges in MN and WI, a practice that extends beyond Minnesota.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 16 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Torchia Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Torchia's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 23% from 13 procedures in 2021 to 16 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
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. Torchia
How does Dr. Torchia's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Torchia has performed 16 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Minnesota average is 43 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Torchia ranks #153 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Torchia perform?
Dr. Torchia's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Torchia in Duluth?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth 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. Torchia 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Torchia's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 60 procedures against the 16 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. Torchia's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Torchia's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2021 to 16 in the most recent data, a 23% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 20 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Torchia affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Torchia is affiliated with Essentia Health Duluth, Essentia Health St Mary'S Medical Center, Essentia Health St Mary'S Hospital - Superior, Essentia Health Sandstone, Deer River Healthcare Center. Dr. Torchia maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Torchia compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Duluth?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Torchia ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Duluth has 44 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Torchia practices?
Essentia Health Duluth (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Essentia Health St Mary'S Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Essentia Health St Mary'S Hospital - Superior (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Duluth, Minnesota
Dr. Torchia's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Duluth average of 32. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Duluth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Momont | 44 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Rother | 38 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Rust | 38 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Fogarty | 35 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Gibbons | 28 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Harms | 25 | 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.