#137 in Minnesota
Knee

Dr. Paul Johnson, D.O.

Orthopedic Surgery
12 procedures 4 hospitals Little Falls, MN
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 12 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Paul Johnson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Little Falls, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Johnson has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #137 in Minnesota.

In Minnesota, Dr. Johnson performs below average in knee (12 vs 32 avg).

Dr. Johnson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 12 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.

Little Falls is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Little Falls area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Johnson's Medicare data spans 7 years, beginning in 2014. Volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2019 before settling at 12 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Johnson's 12 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
12 verified cases
#137 in Minnesota
Estimated total: 30 – 40 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Johnson Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.

Knee Below Avg
12 Avg: 32
Dr. Johnson Minnesota Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 320-631-2200
1108 1st St Se
Little Falls, MN 56345
NPI: 1437211232
Credentials: D.O.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed D.O.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Johnson's recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2019 and stood at 12 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 7
2023 Volume 12
Peak Volume 22 (2019)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
St Gabriels Hospital
Little Falls, MN
Similar to national avg
H
Centracare-Sauk Centre Hospital
Sauk Centre, MN
Low case volume
H
Centracare Health System - Melrose Hospital
Melrose, MN
H
Centracare Health System - Long Prairie
Long Prairie, MN

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Johnson

How does Dr. Johnson's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?

Dr. Johnson has performed 12 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. Johnson ranks #170 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Johnson perform?

Dr. Johnson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Johnson in Little Falls?

Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Little Falls 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. Johnson 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. Johnson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Johnson's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Johnson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 22 procedures in 2019 and was 12 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.

Which hospitals is Dr. Johnson affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Johnson is affiliated with St Gabriels Hospital, Centracare-Sauk Centre Hospital, Centracare Health System - Melrose Hospital, Centracare Health System - Long Prairie.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Johnson practices?

St Gabriels Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Centracare-Sauk Centre Hospital (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 Little Falls, Minnesota

Dr. Johnson's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Little Falls average of 15. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Little Falls.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. David Edgerton 17 Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Paul Johnson, D.O. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mn/dr-paul-johnson-little-falls.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/mn/dr-paul-johnson-little-falls.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.