Dr. Casey Johnston
Contact & Location
Watertown, SD 57201
Dr. Casey Johnston is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Watertown, South Dakota. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Johnston has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #29 in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, Dr. Johnston performs below average in knee (28 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Johnston's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 28 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Watertown is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Watertown area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Johnston also maintains hospital privileges in SD and MN, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Medicare records for Dr. Johnston extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 20 to 28 in the most recent data, a 40% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Johnston's 28 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. 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 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. Johnston's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 28 procedures shown here.
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, Coteau Des Prairies Health Care System, Milbank Area Hospital/Avera Health, 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). 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.