Shoulder
Dr. Michael Torchia, MD
Dr. Michael Torchia is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Torchia has performed 15 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #29 in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Dr. Torchia performs below average in shoulder (15 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Torchia's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 15 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.
Duluth is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Duluth area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Torchia also maintains hospital privileges in MN and WI, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Minnesota.
Dr. Torchia's Medicare record spans 3 years from 2021 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 13 to 20 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Torchia's 15 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 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. Torchia Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Duluth, MN 55805
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Torchia's procedure volume has been consistent across 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 20 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 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 15 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. Torchia ranks #156 out of 179 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 15 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 10 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 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. Torchia's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Torchia's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Torchia's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 20 procedures per year between 2021 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
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. 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 10 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Torchia ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Duluth has 64 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 15 Medicare procedures are below the Duluth average of 34. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Duluth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Momont | 64 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Joshua Rother | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joel Zamzow | 37 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Rust | 28 | Shoulder |
| Dr. William Lundberg | 27 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fogarty | 23 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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