Dr. Nicholas Lesmeister, MD
Contact & Location
Brainerd, MN 56401
Dr. Nicholas Lesmeister is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Brainerd, Minnesota. Dr. Lesmeister has performed 20 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #52 in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Dr. Lesmeister performs below average in hip (20 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Lesmeister's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 20 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.
Brainerd is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Brainerd area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Lesmeister first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Lesmeister's 20 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Lesmeister Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Lesmeister
How does Dr. Lesmeister's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Lesmeister has performed 20 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. Lesmeister ranks #127 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lesmeister perform?
Dr. Lesmeister's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lesmeister in Brainerd?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd 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. Lesmeister 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. Lesmeister's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lesmeister affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lesmeister is affiliated with Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center.
How does Dr. Lesmeister compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd, Dr. Lesmeister ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Lesmeister is among the highest-volume surgeons in Brainerd.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lesmeister practices?
Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center (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 Brainerd, Minnesota
Dr. Lesmeister's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Brainerd average of 28. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Brainerd.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Metz | 51 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Amy Lelwica | 14 | 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.