Dr. Kyle Blickenstaff, MD
Contact & Location
Searcy, AR 72143
Dr. Kyle Blickenstaff is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Searcy, Arkansas. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Blickenstaff has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #43 in Arkansas.
In Arkansas, Dr. Blickenstaff performs below average in knee (28 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Blickenstaff's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 28 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Searcy is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Searcy area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Blickenstaff's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 43 procedures in 2013 before settling at 28 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Blickenstaff's 28 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Blickenstaff Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arkansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blickenstaff's recorded volume peaked at 43 procedures in 2013 and stood at 28 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Blickenstaff
How does Dr. Blickenstaff's procedure volume compare to other Arkansas surgeons?
Dr. Blickenstaff has performed 28 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arkansas average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Blickenstaff ranks #58 out of 89 orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blickenstaff perform?
Dr. Blickenstaff's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 28 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Blickenstaff in Searcy?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Searcy 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 Arkansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Blickenstaff 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. Blickenstaff's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 28 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Blickenstaff's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Blickenstaff's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 43 procedures in 2013 and was 28 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. Blickenstaff affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blickenstaff is affiliated with Unity Health White County Medical Center.
How does Dr. Blickenstaff compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Searcy?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Searcy, Dr. Blickenstaff ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Blickenstaff is among the highest-volume surgeons in Searcy.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blickenstaff practices?
Unity Health White County Medical Center (3 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 Searcy, Arkansas
Dr. Blickenstaff's 28 Medicare procedures are above the Searcy average of 24. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Searcy.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Thomas Day | 28 | Knee |
| Dr. Justin Franz | 15 | 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.