Knee
Dr. Samuel Harms, MD
Dr. Samuel Harms is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Harms has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #138 in Minnesota.
In Minnesota, Dr. Harms performs below average in knee (12 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Harms'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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Harms holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Duluth is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Duluth area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Harms's Medicare data spans 6 years, beginning in 2018. Volume peaked at 38 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. Harms'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
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. Harms Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Duluth, MN 55805
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Harms's recorded volume peaked at 38 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.
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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Harms
How does Dr. Harms's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Harms 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. Harms ranks #171 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Harms perform?
Dr. Harms'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. Harms in Duluth?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth 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. Harms 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. Harms's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Harms's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Harms's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 38 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. Harms affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Harms is affiliated with Range Regional Health Services, Aspirus St Lukes Hospital, Ely - Bloomenson Community Hospital, Aspirus Lake View Hospital, Grand Itasca Clinic And Hospital.
How does Dr. Harms compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Duluth?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Harms ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Duluth has 64 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Harms practices?
Range Regional Health Services (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Aspirus St Lukes Hospital (3 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 Duluth, Minnesota
Dr. Harms's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Duluth average of 33. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Duluth.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Momont | 64 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Joshua Rother | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joel Zamzow | 37 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Rust | 28 | Shoulder |
| Dr. William Lundberg | 27 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fogarty | 23 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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