Dr. Karl Blum, MD
Dr. Karl Blum is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Toms River, New Jersey. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Blum has performed 20 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#97 in New Jersey) and 18 hip replacements, for a combined total of 38 procedures.
In New Jersey, Dr. Blum performs below average in knee (20 vs 53 avg), below average in hip (18 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Blum's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (20 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Toms River is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Toms River area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Blum extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 28 to 38 in the most recent data, a 36% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Blum's 20 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Blum Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New Jersey state average.
Contact & Location
Toms River, NJ 08755
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blum's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 36% from 28 procedures in 2013 to 38 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Blum
How does Dr. Blum's procedure volume compare to other New Jersey surgeons?
Dr. Blum has performed 38 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New Jersey average is 71 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Blum ranks #96 out of 182 orthopedic surgeons in New Jersey.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blum perform?
Dr. Blum's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (20 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Blum in Toms River?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Toms River 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 New Jersey surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Blum 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. Blum's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 38 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Blum's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Blum's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 28 procedures in 2013 to 38 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 61 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Blum perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Blum's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (20 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Blum affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blum is affiliated with Community Medical Center.
How does Dr. Blum compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Toms River?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Toms River, Dr. Blum ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Blum is among the highest-volume surgeons in Toms River.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blum practices?
Community Medical Center (1 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 Toms River, New Jersey
Dr. Blum's 38 Medicare procedures are above the Toms River average of 27. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Toms River.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Kasper | 41 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Larsen | 31 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Passariello | 28 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Tauro | 18 | Knee |
| Dr. David Dickerson | 16 | Knee |
| Dr. Jess Alcid | 14 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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