Dr. Nathaniel Slinkard, M.D.
Contact & Location
Willmar, MN 56201
Dr. Nathaniel Slinkard is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Willmar, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Slinkard has completed 37 knee replacements (#36 in Minnesota), 22 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements, totaling 72 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Slinkard performs above average in knee (37 vs 30 avg), near average in hip (22 vs 26 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 24 avg).
Dr. Slinkard performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (37 cases), followed by hip replacements (22) and shoulder replacements (13).
Dr. Slinkard is the only orthopedic surgeon in Willmar represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Slinkard extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 72 in the most recent data, a 500% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Slinkard's 37 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. 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 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. Slinkard's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 72 procedures shown here.
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.