Dr. Michael Espiritu, MD
Contact & Location
Dakota Dunes, SD 57049
Dr. Michael Espiritu is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Espiritu has performed 13 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #45 in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, Dr. Espiritu performs below average in knee (13 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Espiritu's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 13 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.
Dakota Dunes is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Dakota Dunes area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Espiritu also maintains hospital privileges in SD and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Dr. Espiritu's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 33 procedures in 2013 before settling at 13 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Espiritu's 13 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. Espiritu Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Espiritu's recorded volume peaked at 33 procedures in 2013 and stood at 13 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Espiritu
How does Dr. Espiritu's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Espiritu has performed 13 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. Espiritu ranks #50 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Espiritu perform?
Dr. Espiritu's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Espiritu in Dakota Dunes?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Dakota Dunes 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. Espiritu 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. Espiritu's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Espiritu's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Espiritu's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 33 procedures in 2013 and was 13 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Espiritu affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Espiritu is affiliated with Dunes Surgical Hospital, St Lukes Regional Medical Center. Dr. Espiritu maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Espiritu compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Dakota Dunes?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Dakota Dunes, Dr. Espiritu ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Dakota Dunes has 147 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Espiritu practices?
Dunes Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Lukes Regional Medical Center (1 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
Dr. Espiritu's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Dakota Dunes average of 66. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Dakota Dunes.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Daniel Nelson | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Johnson | 85 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Meyer | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Justin Deans | 62 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Bissell | 58 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Ryan Meis | 36 | 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.