#14 in North Dakota
Knee

Dr. Chad Carlson, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
43 procedures 5 hospitals Bismarck, ND
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 43 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Chad Carlson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bismarck, North Dakota. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Carlson has performed 43 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #14 in North Dakota.

In North Dakota, Dr. Carlson performs near average in knee (43 vs 45 avg).

Dr. Carlson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 43 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.

Bismarck is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bismarck area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Carlson extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 30 to 43 in the most recent data, a 43% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Carlson's 43 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
43 verified cases
#14 in North Dakota
Estimated total: 120 – 130 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Carlson Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Dakota state average.

Knee Average
43 Avg: 45
Dr. Carlson North Dakota Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 701-530-8800
310 N 9th St
Bismarck, ND 58501
NPI: 1588873186
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
19 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Carlson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 43% from 30 procedures in 2013 to 43 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 43
Peak Volume 53 (2014)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Chi St Alexius Health
★★☆☆☆
Bismarck, ND
Similar to national avg
H
Linton Hospital - Cah
Linton, ND
H
Trinity Hospitals
★★★☆☆
Minot, ND
Low case volume
H
Chi St Alexius Health Dickinson
Dickinson, ND
Low case volume
H
South Central Health
Wishek, ND

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Carlson

How does Dr. Carlson's procedure volume compare to other North Dakota surgeons?

Dr. Carlson has performed 43 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Dakota average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Carlson ranks #19 out of 33 orthopedic surgeons in North Dakota.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Carlson perform?

Dr. Carlson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 43 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

How experienced is Dr. Carlson with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Carlson ranks #14 in North Dakota for knee replacement with 43 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 33 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Carlson in Bismarck?

Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bismarck 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 North Dakota surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Carlson 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. Carlson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 43 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Carlson's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Carlson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 30 procedures in 2013 to 43 in the most recent data, a 43% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2014.

Which hospitals is Dr. Carlson affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Carlson is affiliated with Chi St Alexius Health, Linton Hospital - Cah, Trinity Hospitals, Chi St Alexius Health Dickinson, South Central Health.

How does Dr. Carlson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bismarck?

Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bismarck, Dr. Carlson ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bismarck has 166 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Carlson practices?

Chi St Alexius Health (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Trinity Hospitals (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Bismarck, North Dakota

Dr. Carlson's 43 Medicare procedures are below the Bismarck average of 99. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bismarck.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Brian Dahl 166 Hip, Knee
Dr. Derrick Cote 137 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Timothy Bopp 125 Hip, Knee
Dr. Coridon Huez 89 Hip, Knee
Dr. Joseph Carlson 83 Knee
Dr. Matthew Carpenter 52 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Chad Carlson, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nd/dr-chad-carlson-bismarck.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nd/dr-chad-carlson-bismarck.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.