Dr. Samuel Harms, MD
Contact & Location
Duluth, MN 55805
Dr. Samuel Harms is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Duluth, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Harms has performed 13 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#129 in Minnesota) and 12 hip replacements, for a combined total of 25 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Harms performs below average in knee (13 vs 30 avg), below average in hip (12 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Harms's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (13 cases) and hip replacements (12 cases).
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 12 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Harms extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 25 in the most recent data, a 92% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Harms's 13 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 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. Harms Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Harms's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 92% from 13 procedures in 2018 to 25 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 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 25 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. Harms ranks #114 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Harms perform?
Dr. Harms's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (13 cases) and hip replacement (12 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Harms in Duluth?
Yes. There are 12 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 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Harms's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Harms's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2018 to 25 in the most recent data, a 92% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 38 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Harms perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Harms's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (13 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 12 orthopedic surgeons in Duluth, Dr. Harms ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Duluth has 44 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 25 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 | 44 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Rother | 38 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Rust | 38 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Fogarty | 35 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Gibbons | 28 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Kuzel | 20 | Shoulder |
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.