Dr. Kyle Blickenstaff, M.D.
Contact & Location
501-278-2808
Searcy, AR 72143
Dr. Blickenstaff performs more knee replacement procedures than 23% of orthopedic surgeons in Arkansas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #58 of 76 ranked knee surgeons in Arkansas.
About Dr. Blickenstaff
Practice. Dr. Kyle Blickenstaff is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Searcy, Arkansas. The latest annual CMS data records 19 knee replacements. That is #58 in Arkansas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 43 in 2013 and stands at 19 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 19 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Searcy has 3 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 43 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 41 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 32 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 19 |
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. 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 19 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 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arkansas average is 66 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Blickenstaff ranks #73 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 19 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 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. Blickenstaff's total volume across all insurers at roughly 70 to 80 procedures against the 19 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. Blickenstaff's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Blickenstaff's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 43 procedures in 2013 and was 19 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, Baptist Health Medical Center Heber Spings.
How does Dr. Blickenstaff compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Searcy?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Searcy, Dr. Blickenstaff ranks #3 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); Baptist Health Medical Center Heber Spings (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 Searcy, Arkansas
Dr. Blickenstaff's 19 Medicare procedures are below the Searcy average of 28. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Searcy.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Justin Franz | 34 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Day | 30 | 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.