Dr. Samuel Linford, M.D.
Dr. Samuel Linford is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Afton, Wyoming. Dr. Linford has performed 45 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#6 in Wyoming) and 12 hip replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Wyoming, Dr. Linford performs above average in knee (45 vs 34 avg), below average in hip (12 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Linford's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 79% of reported Medicare volume.
Dr. Linford is the only orthopedic surgeon in Afton represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Linford extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 57 in the most recent data, a 338% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Linford's 45 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Linford Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wyoming state average.
Contact & Location
Afton, WY 83110
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Linford's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 338% from 13 procedures in 2014 to 57 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.
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 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wyoming average of 53 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Linford ranks #11 out of 32 orthopedic surgeons in Wyoming.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Linford perform?
Dr. Linford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (45 cases) and hip replacement (12 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Linford with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Linford ranks #6 in Wyoming for knee replacement with 45 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 32 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
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 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. Linford's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Linford's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Linford's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2014 to 57 in the most recent data, a 338% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 69 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Linford perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Linford's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (45 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Linford affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Linford is affiliated with Star Valley Health.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Linford practices?
Star Valley Health (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.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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