Dr. Rafael Sierra, M.D.
Dr. Rafael Sierra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rochester, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Sierra has performed 36 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#46 in Minnesota) and 25 hip replacements, for a combined total of 61 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Sierra performs near average in knee (36 vs 32 avg), near average in hip (25 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Sierra's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (36 cases) and hip replacements (25 cases).
Rochester is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Rochester area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Sierra also maintains hospital privileges in MN and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Minnesota.
Dr. Sierra's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 39 to 74 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sierra's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Sierra Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Rochester, MN 55905
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sierra's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 39 to 74 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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. Sierra
How does Dr. Sierra's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Sierra has performed 61 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sierra ranks #48 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sierra perform?
Dr. Sierra's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases) and hip replacement (25 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sierra in Rochester?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Rochester 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. Sierra 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. Sierra's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 61 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sierra's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Sierra's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 39 to 74 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Sierra perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Sierra's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases), hip replacement (25 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sierra affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sierra is affiliated with Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Mercyone New Hampton Medical Center. Dr. Sierra maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Sierra compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rochester?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Rochester, Dr. Sierra ranks #17 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Rochester has 198 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sierra practices?
Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester (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 Rochester, Minnesota
Dr. Sierra's 61 Medicare procedures are below the Rochester average of 133. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rochester.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Paul Sousa | 198 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Trousdale | 174 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Taunton | 146 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Sperling | 122 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Kevin Perry | 121 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Tetreault | 106 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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