Dr. Samuel Mortimer, M.D.
Contact & Location
605-341-1414
Rapid City, SD 57702
Dr. Mortimer performs more knee replacement procedures than 77% of orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #11 of 48 ranked knee surgeons in South Dakota.
About Dr. Mortimer
Practice. Dr. Samuel Mortimer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rapid City, South Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 61 knee replacements, 29 hip replacements, and 22 shoulder replacements, 112 procedures in all. That is #11 in South Dakota for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 36 procedures a year to 112, up 211%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 61 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Rapid City has 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Mortimer also holds hospital privileges in SD and WY, a practice that extends beyond South Dakota.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 36 | 0 |
| 2014 | 20 | 32 | 0 |
| 2015 | 17 | 53 | 0 |
| 2016 | 15 | 48 | 0 |
| 2017 | 14 | 46 | 0 |
| 2018 | 17 | 52 | 24 |
| 2019 | 27 | 47 | 25 |
| 2020 | 16 | 40 | 13 |
| 2021 | 12 | 51 | 11 |
| 2022 | 27 | 77 | 20 |
| 2023 | 40 | 94 | 16 |
| 2024 | 29 | 61 | 22 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Mortimer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Mortimer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 211% from 36 procedures in 2013 to 112 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Mortimer
How does Dr. Mortimer's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Mortimer has performed 112 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the South Dakota average of 70 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Mortimer ranks #9 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Mortimer perform?
Dr. Mortimer performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (61 cases), hip replacement (29 cases), shoulder replacement (22 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Mortimer with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Mortimer ranks #11 in South Dakota for knee replacement with 61 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 52 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Mortimer in Rapid City?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Rapid City 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. Mortimer 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Mortimer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 370 to 460 procedures against the 112 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. Mortimer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Mortimer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 36 procedures in 2013 to 112 in the most recent data, a 211% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 150 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Mortimer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Mortimer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (61 cases), hip replacement (29 cases), shoulder replacement (22 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Mortimer among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Mortimer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Mortimer is affiliated with Black Hills Surgical Hospital Llc, Monument Health Spearfish Hospital, Monument Health Custer Hospital, Weston County Health Services, Monument Health Sturgis Hospital. Dr. Mortimer maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Mortimer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rapid City?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Rapid City, Dr. Mortimer ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Mortimer is among the highest-volume surgeons in Rapid City.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Mortimer practices?
Black Hills Surgical Hospital Llc (hip/knee complication rate better than national average); 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 Rapid City, South Dakota
Dr. Mortimer's 112 Medicare procedures are above the Rapid City average of 81. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rapid City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Marrs | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Giuseffi | 92 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Clark Duchene | 91 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Kadrmas | 51 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Emmett McEleney | 45 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Lew Papendick | 32 | 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.