Dr. Zachary Scheer, M.D.
Contact & Location
406-238-6726
Billings, MT 59101
Dr. Scheer performs more knee replacement procedures than 96% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #1 of 29 ranked knee surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. Scheer
Practice. Dr. Zachary Scheer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Billings, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 170 knee replacements and 76 hip replacements, 246 procedures in all. That is #1 in Montana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 140 procedures a year to 246, up 76%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 170 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45. That is #113 nationally.
Local context. Billings has 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 46 | 94 |
| 2014 | 39 | 102 |
| 2015 | 51 | 106 |
| 2016 | 67 | 142 |
| 2017 | 58 | 149 |
| 2018 | 88 | 134 |
| 2019 | 94 | 170 |
| 2020 | 69 | 133 |
| 2021 | 57 | 155 |
| 2022 | 79 | 174 |
| 2023 | 86 | 170 |
| 2024 | 76 | 170 |
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. Scheer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Scheer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 76% from 140 procedures in 2013 to 246 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Scheer
How does Dr. Scheer's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Scheer has performed 246 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Montana average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Scheer ranks #2 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Scheer perform?
Dr. Scheer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (170 cases) and hip replacement (76 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Scheer with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Scheer ranks #1 in Montana for knee replacement with 170 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 39 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Scheer in Billings?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Billings 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 Montana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Scheer 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. Scheer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 840 to 1,040 procedures against the 246 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. Scheer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Scheer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 140 procedures in 2013 to 246 in the most recent data, a 76% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 264 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Scheer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Scheer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (170 cases), hip replacement (76 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Scheer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Scheer is affiliated with Intermountain Health St Vincent Regional Hospital, Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center, Big Horn Hospital, Billings Clinic Hospital, Beartooth Billings Clinic.
How does Dr. Scheer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Billings?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Billings, Dr. Scheer ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Scheer is among the highest-volume surgeons in Billings.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Scheer practices?
Intermountain Health St Vincent Regional Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center (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 Billings, Montana
Dr. Scheer's 246 Medicare procedures are above the Billings average of 127. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Billings.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Groover | 255 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Fischer | 118 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Kopplin | 116 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Klepps | 105 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Guy Schmidt | 29 | Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Owen | 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.