Contact & Location
701-732-7000
Grand Forks, ND 58201
Dr. Lambert performs more knee replacement procedures than 8% of orthopedic surgeons in North Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #22 of 24 ranked knee surgeons in North Dakota.
About Dr. Lambert
Practice. Dr. Russell Lambert is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 24 knee replacements, 21 shoulder replacements, and 17 hip replacements, 62 procedures in all. That is #22 in North Dakota for knee replacement.
Trend. Dr. Lambert first appears in the Medicare data in 2023. With 2 years on record, the trend is still short.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 24 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
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. Lambert also holds hospital privileges in ND and MN, a practice that extends beyond North Dakota.
Verified Case Volume
Verified Medicare data is available for 2 years: 12 procedures in 2023 and 62 procedures in the most recent reporting year. A multi-year trend chart is shown once at least 3 years of data are available.
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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Lambert Compares
Procedure volume compared to the North Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lambert has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Lambert
How does Dr. Lambert's procedure volume compare to other North Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Lambert has performed 62 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Dakota average is 81 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Lambert ranks #17 out of 28 orthopedic surgeons in North Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lambert perform?
Dr. Lambert performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (24 cases), shoulder replacement (21 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lambert 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. Lambert 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Lambert's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 240 procedures against the 62 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.
Does Dr. Lambert perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lambert's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases), shoulder replacement (21 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Lambert among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lambert affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lambert is affiliated with Altru Hospital, Lifecare Medical Center, First Care Health Center, Northwood Deaconess Health Center, Chi St Alexius Health Devils Lake. Dr. Lambert maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Lambert compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Grand Forks?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Grand Forks, Dr. Lambert ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Lambert is among the highest-volume surgeons in Grand Forks.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lambert practices?
Altru Hospital (3 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 Grand Forks, North Dakota
Dr. Lambert's 62 Medicare procedures are below the Grand Forks average of 89. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Grand Forks.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Schall | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Gardner | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| 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.