Dr. Karl Blum, MD
Contact & Location
Toms River, NJ 08755
Dr. Karl Blum is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Toms River, New Jersey. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Blum has performed 21 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#98 in New Jersey) and 13 hip replacements, for a combined total of 34 procedures.
In New Jersey, Dr. Blum performs below average in knee (21 vs 54 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Blum's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (21 cases) and hip replacements (13 cases).
Toms River is home to 8 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.
Dr. Blum's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 61 procedures in 2022 before settling at 34 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Blum's 21 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blum's recorded volume peaked at 61 procedures in 2022 and stood at 34 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 34 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New Jersey average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Blum ranks #104 out of 184 orthopedic surgeons in New Jersey.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blum perform?
Dr. Blum's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Blum in Toms River?
Yes. There are 8 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 34 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Blum's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Blum's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 61 procedures in 2022 and was 34 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Blum perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Blum's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (21 cases), hip replacement (13 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 8 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 34 Medicare procedures are above the Toms River average of 26. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Toms River.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Erik Larsen | 40 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Kasper | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Tauro | 28 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Christopher Passariello | 18 | Hip |
| Dr. Robert Nugent | 15 | Hip |
| Dr. David Dickerson | 14 | Hip |
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.