Dr. Nathaniel Slinkard, M.D.
Contact & Location
320-231-5000
Willmar, MN 56201
Dr. Slinkard performs more knee replacement procedures than 75% of orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #36 of 144 ranked knee surgeons in Minnesota.
About Dr. Slinkard
Practice. Dr. Nathaniel Slinkard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Willmar, Minnesota. The latest annual CMS data records 37 knee replacements, 22 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements, 72 procedures in all. That is #36 in Minnesota for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 72, up 500%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 37 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| 2019 | 17 | 41 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| 2021 | 20 | 28 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 42 | 0 |
| 2023 | 25 | 51 | 0 |
| 2024 | 22 | 37 | 13 |
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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 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. Slinkard Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Slinkard's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 500% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 72 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
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. Slinkard
How does Dr. Slinkard's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Slinkard has performed 72 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Slinkard ranks #32 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Slinkard perform?
Dr. Slinkard performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (37 cases), hip replacement (22 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Where is Dr. Slinkard's practice located?
Dr. Slinkard practices in Willmar, Minnesota. The office is located at 101 Willmar Ave Sw, Willmar, MN 56201. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Slinkard for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Slinkard 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Slinkard's total volume across all insurers at roughly 230 to 290 procedures against the 72 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. Slinkard's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Slinkard's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 72 in the most recent data, a 500% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 76 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Slinkard perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Slinkard's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases), hip replacement (22 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Slinkard among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Slinkard affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Slinkard is affiliated with Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital, Centracare - Paynesville Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Slinkard practices?
Centracare- Rice Memorial Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
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.