Dr. Carl Bechtold, M.D.
Contact & Location
605-328-2663
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Dr. Bechtold performs more knee replacement procedures than 89% of orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #5 of 48 ranked knee surgeons in South Dakota.
About Dr. Bechtold
Practice. Dr. Carl Bechtold is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 76 knee replacements and 46 hip replacements, 122 procedures in all. That is #5 in South Dakota for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 221 in 2021 and stands at 122 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 76 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Sioux Falls has 22 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Bechtold also holds hospital privileges in SD and MN, a practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 51 | 58 |
| 2014 | 61 | 93 |
| 2015 | 56 | 104 |
| 2016 | 54 | 91 |
| 2017 | 66 | 87 |
| 2018 | 62 | 116 |
| 2019 | 70 | 107 |
| 2020 | 58 | 80 |
| 2021 | 92 | 129 |
| 2022 | 41 | 72 |
| 2023 | 37 | 67 |
| 2024 | 46 | 76 |
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, 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. Bechtold Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bechtold's recorded volume peaked at 221 procedures in 2021 and stood at 122 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Bechtold
How does Dr. Bechtold's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Bechtold has performed 122 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the South Dakota average of 70 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bechtold ranks #8 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bechtold perform?
Dr. Bechtold's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (76 cases) and hip replacement (46 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Bechtold with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Bechtold ranks #5 in South Dakota for knee replacement with 76 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 52 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bechtold in Sioux Falls?
Yes. There are 22 orthopedic surgeons in Sioux Falls 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 South Dakota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bechtold 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Bechtold's total volume across all insurers at roughly 410 to 510 procedures against the 122 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. Bechtold's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Bechtold's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 221 procedures in 2021 and was 122 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. Bechtold perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bechtold's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (76 cases), hip replacement (46 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bechtold affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bechtold is affiliated with Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Avera Dells Area Hospital - Cah, Pipestone County Medical Center, Avera Granite Falls. Dr. Bechtold maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Bechtold compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Sioux Falls?
Among the 22 orthopedic surgeons in Sioux Falls, Dr. Bechtold ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Sioux Falls has 340 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bechtold practices?
Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center (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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Dr. Bechtold's 122 Medicare procedures are below the Sioux Falls average of 167. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sioux Falls.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Adler | 340 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Corey Rothrock | 209 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Travis Liddell | 157 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Walker | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Johnson | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Hurd | 89 | 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.