Dr. Richard Little, MD
Contact & Location
Spearfish, SD 57783
Dr. Richard Little is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spearfish, South Dakota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Little has performed 75 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#6 in South Dakota) and 23 hip replacements, for a combined total of 98 procedures.
In South Dakota, Dr. Little performs above average in knee (75 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (23 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Little's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 77% of reported Medicare volume.
Spearfish is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Spearfish area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Little also maintains hospital privileges in SD and ND, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Medicare records for Dr. Little extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 76 to 98 in the most recent data, a 29% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Little's 75 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Little Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Little's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 29% from 76 procedures in 2013 to 98 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. Little
How does Dr. Little's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Little has performed 98 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the South Dakota average of 70 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Little ranks #10 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Little perform?
Dr. Little's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Little with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Little ranks #6 in South Dakota for knee replacement with 75 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 52 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Little in Spearfish?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Spearfish 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. Little 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. Little's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 98 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Little's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Little's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 76 procedures in 2013 to 98 in the most recent data, a 29% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 102 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Little perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Little's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (75 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Little affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Little is affiliated with Monument Health Spearfish Hospital, Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Services, Monument Health Sturgis Hospital. Dr. Little maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Little practices?
Monument Health Spearfish 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 Spearfish, South Dakota
Dr. Little's 98 Medicare procedures are above the Spearfish average of 83. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Spearfish.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ray Jensen | 68 | Hip, Knee, 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.