Dr. Samuel Linford, M.D.
Contact & Location
307-885-5870
Afton, WY 83110
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Dr. Linford performs more knee replacement procedures than 13% of orthopedic surgeons in Wyoming, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #26 of 30 ranked knee surgeons in Wyoming.
About Dr. Linford
Practice. Dr. Samuel Linford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Afton, Wyoming. The latest annual CMS data records 15 knee replacements. That is #26 in Wyoming for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 11 years. Volume peaked at 69 in 2022 and stands at 15 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 15 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Dr. Linford practices across state lines. Dr. Linford also holds hospital privileges in WY and ID, a practice that extends beyond Wyoming.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 13 | 0 |
| 2015 | 18 | 15 |
| 2016 | 18 | 18 |
| 2017 | 15 | 26 |
| 2018 | 16 | 36 |
| 2019 | 16 | 44 |
| 2020 | 17 | 34 |
| 2021 | 14 | 49 |
| 2022 | 20 | 49 |
| 2023 | 12 | 45 |
| 2024 | 0 | 15 |
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. 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. Linford Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wyoming state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Linford's recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2022 and stood at 15 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.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Linford
How does Dr. Linford's procedure volume compare to other Wyoming surgeons?
Dr. Linford has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Wyoming average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Linford ranks #29 out of 34 orthopedic surgeons in Wyoming.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Linford perform?
Dr. Linford's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Linford's practice located?
Dr. Linford practices in Afton, Wyoming. The office is located at 120 Hospital Ln, Afton, WY 83110. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Linford for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Linford 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, which puts Dr. Linford's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 70 procedures against the 15 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. Linford's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Linford's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 69 procedures in 2022 and was 15 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. Linford affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Linford is affiliated with Star Valley Health, South Lincoln Medical Center - Cah, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital. Dr. Linford maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Linford practices?
Star Valley Health (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bear Lake Memorial 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.
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.