Dr. Stephen Blackstock, M.D.
Contact & Location
256-492-2663
Gadsden, AL 35903
Dr. Blackstock performs more knee replacement procedures than 15% of orthopedic surgeons in Alabama, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #95 of 113 ranked knee surgeons in Alabama.
About Dr. Blackstock
Practice. Dr. Stephen Blackstock is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gadsden, Alabama. The latest annual CMS data records 13 knee replacements. That is #95 in Alabama for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 10 years. Volume peaked at 29 in 2019 and stands at 13 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 13 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Gadsden has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 24 |
| 2014 | 0 | 22 |
| 2015 | 0 | 26 |
| 2016 | 0 | 27 |
| 2017 | 0 | 25 |
| 2018 | 0 | 22 |
| 2019 | 11 | 18 |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 13 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 13 |
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. Blackstock Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alabama state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blackstock's recorded volume peaked at 29 procedures in 2019 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Blackstock
How does Dr. Blackstock's procedure volume compare to other Alabama surgeons?
Dr. Blackstock has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alabama average is 44 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Blackstock ranks #109 out of 126 orthopedic surgeons in Alabama.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blackstock perform?
Dr. Blackstock'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. Blackstock in Gadsden?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Gadsden 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 Alabama surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Blackstock 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. Blackstock's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 60 procedures against the 13 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. Blackstock's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Blackstock's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 29 procedures in 2019 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. Blackstock affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blackstock is affiliated with Gadsden Regional Medical Center, Riverview Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Blackstock compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Gadsden?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Gadsden, Dr. Blackstock ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Blackstock is among the highest-volume surgeons in Gadsden.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blackstock practices?
Gadsden Regional Medical Center (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Riverview Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Gadsden, Alabama
Dr. Blackstock's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Gadsden average of 16. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gadsden.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. George Douthit | 22 | Knee |
| Dr. Adam Shaw | 14 | Knee |
| Dr. Glenn Wilson | 13 | 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.