Dr. Blake Clifton, M.D.
Contact & Location
Pueblo, CO 81008
Dr. Blake Clifton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pueblo, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Clifton has performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#98 in Colorado) and 12 hip replacements, for a combined total of 31 procedures.
In Colorado, Dr. Clifton performs below average in knee (19 vs 48 avg), below average in hip (12 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Clifton's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (19 cases) and hip replacements (12 cases).
Pueblo is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pueblo area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Clifton extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 16 to 31 in the most recent data, a 94% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Clifton's 19 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 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. Clifton Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Clifton's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 94% from 16 procedures in 2016 to 31 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Clifton
How does Dr. Clifton's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Clifton has performed 31 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Colorado average is 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Clifton ranks #115 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Clifton perform?
Dr. Clifton's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases) and hip replacement (12 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Clifton in Pueblo?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Pueblo 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 Colorado surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Clifton 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. Clifton's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 31 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Clifton's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Clifton's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2016 to 31 in the most recent data, a 94% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 39 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Clifton perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Clifton's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Clifton affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Clifton is affiliated with Gunnison Valley Hospital, Parkview Medical Center, Inc.
How does Dr. Clifton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pueblo?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Pueblo, Dr. Clifton ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pueblo has 87 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Clifton practices?
Gunnison Valley Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Parkview Medical Center, Inc (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 Pueblo, Colorado
Dr. Clifton's 31 Medicare procedures are below the Pueblo average of 45. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pueblo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Shane Rothermel | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Rickland Likes | 53 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Shawn Nakamura | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick | 44 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Lance Farnworth | 30 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Simonich | 25 | 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.