Dr. David Schall, M.D.
Contact & Location
701-746-7521
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Dr. Schall performs more knee replacement procedures than 91% of orthopedic surgeons in North Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #2 of 24 ranked knee surgeons in North Dakota.
About Dr. Schall
Practice. Dr. David Schall is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 92 knee replacements and 40 hip replacements, 132 procedures in all. That is #2 in North Dakota for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 91 procedures a year to 132, up 45%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 92 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Grand Forks has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Schall also holds hospital privileges in ND and MN, a practice that extends beyond North Dakota.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 33 | 58 |
| 2014 | 39 | 51 |
| 2015 | 29 | 60 |
| 2016 | 33 | 48 |
| 2017 | 24 | 77 |
| 2018 | 41 | 57 |
| 2019 | 58 | 91 |
| 2020 | 53 | 102 |
| 2021 | 44 | 114 |
| 2022 | 42 | 73 |
| 2023 | 36 | 84 |
| 2024 | 40 | 92 |
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. Schall Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schall's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 45% from 91 procedures in 2013 to 132 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Schall
How does Dr. Schall's procedure volume compare to other North Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Schall has performed 132 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the North Dakota average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Schall ranks #5 out of 28 orthopedic surgeons in North Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schall perform?
Dr. Schall's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (92 cases) and hip replacement (40 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Schall with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Schall ranks #2 in North Dakota for knee replacement with 92 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 28 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schall in Grand Forks?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Grand Forks 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. Schall 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. Schall's total volume across all insurers at roughly 450 to 560 procedures against the 132 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. Schall's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schall's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 91 procedures in 2013 to 132 in the most recent data, a 45% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 158 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Schall perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Schall's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (92 cases), hip replacement (40 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schall affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schall is affiliated with Altru Hospital, Sanford Medical Center Thief River Falls, Riverview Hospital, Unity Medical Center, First Care Health Center. Dr. Schall maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Schall compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Grand Forks?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Grand Forks, Dr. Schall ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Schall has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schall practices?
Altru Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Riverview Hospital (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 Grand Forks, North Dakota
Dr. Schall's 132 Medicare procedures are above the Grand Forks average of 89. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Grand Forks.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeremy Gardner | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Russell Lambert | 62 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Darin Leetun | 43 | 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.