Dr. Casey Johnston
Contact & Location
605-882-2630
Watertown, SD 57201
Dr. Johnston performs more knee replacement procedures than 39% of orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #29 of 48 ranked knee surgeons in South Dakota.
About Dr. Johnston
Practice. Dr. Casey Johnston is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Watertown, South Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 28 knee replacements. That is #29 in South Dakota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 20 procedures a year to 28, up 40%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Watertown has 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Johnston 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
| 2015 | 11 | 24 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 21 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 25 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 30 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 24 | 17 |
| 2022 | 0 | 26 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 34 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 28 | 0 |
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. Johnston Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Johnston's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 40% from 20 procedures in 2013 to 28 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Johnston
How does Dr. Johnston's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Johnston has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Dakota average is 70 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Johnston ranks #42 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Johnston perform?
Dr. Johnston's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 28 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Johnston in Watertown?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Watertown 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. Johnston 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. Johnston's total volume across all insurers at roughly 100 to 120 procedures against the 28 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. Johnston's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Johnston's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 20 procedures in 2013 to 28 in the most recent data, a 40% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 41 procedures in 2021.
Which hospitals is Dr. Johnston affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Johnston is affiliated with Prairie Lakes Hospital, Ortonville Municipal Hospital, Milbank Area Hospital/Avera Health, Coteau Des Prairies Health Care System, Sanford Canby Medical Center. Dr. Johnston maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Johnston compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Watertown?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Watertown, Dr. Johnston ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Johnston is among the highest-volume surgeons in Watertown.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Johnston practices?
Prairie Lakes Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ortonville Municipal Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Milbank Area Hospital/Avera Health (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Watertown, South Dakota
Dr. Johnston's 28 Medicare procedures are below the Watertown average of 30. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Watertown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Gerald Rieber | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Vener | 18 | Knee |
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.