Dr. Robert Knowlan, MD
Contact & Location
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
Dr. Robert Knowlan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Knowlan has performed 49 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#13 in Minnesota) and 41 knee replacements, for a combined total of 90 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Knowlan performs above average in hip (49 vs 26 avg), above average in knee (41 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Knowlan's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (49 cases) and knee replacements (41 cases).
Oak Park Heights is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Oak Park Heights area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Knowlan extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 49 to 90 in the most recent data, a 84% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Knowlan's 49 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Knowlan Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Knowlan's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 84% from 49 procedures in 2013 to 90 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 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Knowlan
How does Dr. Knowlan's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Knowlan has performed 90 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Knowlan ranks #18 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Knowlan perform?
Dr. Knowlan's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (49 cases) and knee replacement (41 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Knowlan with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Knowlan ranks #13 in Minnesota for hip replacement with 49 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 187 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Knowlan in Oak Park Heights?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Oak Park Heights 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. Knowlan 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. Knowlan's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 90 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Knowlan's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Knowlan's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 49 procedures in 2013 to 90 in the most recent data, a 84% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 111 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Knowlan perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Knowlan's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (49 cases), knee replacement (41 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Knowlan affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Knowlan is affiliated with M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, Lakeview Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Knowlan compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Oak Park Heights?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Oak Park Heights, Dr. Knowlan ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Knowlan has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Knowlan practices?
M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lakeview Memorial Hospital (4 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 Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
Dr. Knowlan's 90 Medicare procedures are above the Oak Park Heights average of 49. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Oak Park Heights.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Timothy Panek | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Lindgren | 55 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Comfort | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Weiss | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Meisterling | 24 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Andrea Saterbak | 23 | 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.