Knee
Dr. Joseph Carlson, MD
Dr. Joseph Carlson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bismarck, North Dakota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Carlson has performed 83 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #4 in North Dakota.
In North Dakota, Dr. Carlson performs above average in knee (83 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Carlson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 83 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.
Dr. Carlson's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 73 to 114 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Carlson's 83 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Carlson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Dakota state average.
Contact & Location
Bismarck, ND 58501
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Carlson's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 73 to 114 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Carlson
How does Dr. Carlson's procedure volume compare to other North Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Carlson has performed 83 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Dakota average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Carlson ranks #11 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 83 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 #4 in North Dakota for knee replacement with 83 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 83 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Carlson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Carlson's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 73 to 114 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Carlson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Carlson is affiliated with Chi St Alexius Health, Garrison Memorial Hospital, Sakakawea Medical Center - Cah.
How does Dr. Carlson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bismarck?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bismarck, Dr. Carlson ranks #5 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). 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 83 Medicare procedures are below the Bismarck average of 99. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bismarck.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Matthew Carpenter | 52 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chad Carlson | 43 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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