Dr. Earl Latimer, M.D.
Contact & Location
575-622-7600
Roswell, NM 88201
Dr. Latimer performs more knee replacement procedures than 15% of orthopedic surgeons in New Mexico, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #32 of 38 ranked knee surgeons in New Mexico.
About Dr. Latimer
Practice. Dr. Earl Latimer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Roswell, New Mexico. The latest annual CMS data records 21 knee replacements. That is #32 in New Mexico for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 49 in 2018 and stands at 21 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 21 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Roswell has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 24 |
| 2014 | 11 | 14 |
| 2015 | 0 | 26 |
| 2016 | 0 | 34 |
| 2017 | 0 | 42 |
| 2018 | 0 | 49 |
| 2019 | 0 | 47 |
| 2020 | 0 | 32 |
| 2021 | 0 | 33 |
| 2022 | 13 | 26 |
| 2023 | 0 | 16 |
| 2024 | 0 | 21 |
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. Latimer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New Mexico state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Latimer's recorded volume peaked at 49 procedures in 2018 and stood at 21 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Latimer
How does Dr. Latimer's procedure volume compare to other New Mexico surgeons?
Dr. Latimer has performed 21 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New Mexico average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Latimer ranks #35 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in New Mexico.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Latimer perform?
Dr. Latimer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Latimer in Roswell?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Roswell 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 Mexico surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Latimer 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. Latimer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 90 procedures against the 21 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. Latimer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Latimer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 49 procedures in 2018 and was 21 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Roswell, New Mexico
Dr. Latimer's 21 Medicare procedures are below the Roswell average of 59. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Roswell.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Schwartz | 96 | Hip, Knee, 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.