Dr. Eric Watson, MD
Contact & Location
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Dr. Eric Watson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Dr. Watson has performed 14 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #43 in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, Dr. Watson performs below average in knee (14 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Watson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 14 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.
Sioux Falls is home to 22 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Sioux Falls area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Watson first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2017. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Watson's 14 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. Watson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Watson has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2017. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
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 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. Watson
How does Dr. Watson's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Watson has performed 14 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. Watson ranks #48 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Watson perform?
Dr. Watson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Watson 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. Watson 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. Watson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 14 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Watson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Watson is affiliated with Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital Llp, Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center.
How does Dr. Watson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Sioux Falls?
Among the 22 orthopedic surgeons in Sioux Falls, Dr. Watson ranks #21 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. Watson practices?
Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital Llp (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center (3 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 Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Dr. Watson's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Sioux Falls average of 156. 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. Carl Bechtold | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Johnson | 97 | Hip, 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.