Dr. David Black, M.D.
Contact & Location
417-781-2807
Joplin, MO 64804
Dr. Black performs more knee replacement procedures than 93% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #11 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Black
Practice. Dr. David Black is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Joplin, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 102 knee replacements and 34 hip replacements, 136 procedures in all. That is #11 in Missouri for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 197 in 2018 and stands at 136 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 102 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Joplin has 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Black also holds hospital privileges in MO and KS, a practice that extends beyond Missouri.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 44 | 143 |
| 2014 | 59 | 128 |
| 2015 | 44 | 105 |
| 2016 | 46 | 119 |
| 2017 | 39 | 142 |
| 2018 | 57 | 140 |
| 2019 | 41 | 130 |
| 2020 | 41 | 120 |
| 2021 | 47 | 123 |
| 2022 | 34 | 130 |
| 2023 | 32 | 109 |
| 2024 | 34 | 102 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Black Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Black's recorded volume peaked at 197 procedures in 2018 and stood at 136 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Black
How does Dr. Black's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Black has performed 136 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Black ranks #19 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Black perform?
Dr. Black's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (102 cases) and hip replacement (34 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Black with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Black ranks #11 in Missouri for knee replacement with 102 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 204 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Black in Joplin?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Joplin 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Black represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Black's total volume across all insurers at roughly 470 to 580 procedures against the 136 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Black's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Black's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 197 procedures in 2018 and was 136 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.
Does Dr. Black perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Black's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (102 cases), hip replacement (34 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Black affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Black is affiliated with Freeman Health System - Freeman West, Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc, Mercy Hospital Carthage. Dr. Black maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Black compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Joplin?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Joplin, Dr. Black ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Black has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Black practices?
Freeman Health System - Freeman West (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, Inc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital Carthage (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 Joplin, Missouri
Dr. Black's 136 Medicare procedures are above the Joplin average of 69. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Joplin.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Derek Miller | 129 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Todd Twiss | 43 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Sanders | 24 | Knee |
| Dr. Robert Lieurance | 13 | 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.