Dr. Joseph Carlson, M.D.
Contact & Location
701-530-8800
Bismarck, ND 58501
Dr. Carlson performs more knee replacement procedures than 95% of orthopedic surgeons in North Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #1 of 24 ranked knee surgeons in North Dakota.
About Dr. Carlson
Practice. Dr. Joseph Carlson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bismarck, North Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 97 knee replacements. That is #1 in North Dakota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 73 procedures a year to 97, up 33%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 97 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Bismarck has 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Carlson also holds hospital privileges in ND and SD, a practice that extends beyond North Dakota.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2014 | 100 |
| 2015 | 92 |
| 2016 | 80 |
| 2017 | 101 |
| 2018 | 87 |
| 2019 | 114 |
| 2020 | 102 |
| 2021 | 107 |
| 2022 | 102 |
| 2023 | 83 |
| 2024 | 97 |
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. 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. Carlson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Carlson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 33% from 73 procedures in 2013 to 97 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.
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 97 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the North Dakota average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Carlson ranks #11 out of 28 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 97 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 #1 in North Dakota for knee replacement with 97 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 28 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Carlson in Bismarck?
Yes. There are 10 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 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, which puts Dr. Carlson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 350 to 420 procedures against the 97 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. Carlson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Carlson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 73 procedures in 2013 to 97 in the most recent data, a 33% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 114 procedures in 2019.
Which hospitals is Dr. Carlson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Carlson is affiliated with Chi St Alexius Health, Sakakawea Medical Center - Cah, Garrison Memorial Hospital, Linton Hospital - Cah, Mobridge Regional Hospital - Cah. Dr. Carlson maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Carlson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bismarck?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Bismarck, Dr. Carlson ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bismarck has 150 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 97 Medicare procedures are below the Bismarck average of 106. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bismarck.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brian Dahl | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Derrick Cote | 141 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Bopp | 129 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Carpenter | 93 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coridon Huez | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Troy Pierce | 46 | 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.