Shoulder
Dr. Brian Butzen, M.D.
Dr. Brian Butzen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durango, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Butzen has performed 20 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #27 in Colorado.
In Colorado, Dr. Butzen performs below average in shoulder (20 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Butzen's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 20 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.
Durango is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Durango area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Butzen extend back to 2019, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 20 in the most recent data, a 82% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Butzen's 20 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Butzen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Contact & Location
Durango, CO 81301
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Butzen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 82% from 11 procedures in 2019 to 20 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Butzen
How does Dr. Butzen's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Butzen has performed 20 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Colorado average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Butzen ranks #130 out of 165 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Butzen perform?
Dr. Butzen's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Butzen in Durango?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Durango 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. Butzen 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. Butzen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Butzen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Butzen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2019 to 20 in the most recent data, a 82% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 20 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Butzen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Butzen is affiliated with Animas Surgical Hospital, Llc.
How does Dr. Butzen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durango?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Durango, Dr. Butzen ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durango has 210 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Butzen practices?
Animas Surgical Hospital, Llc (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 Durango, Colorado
Dr. Butzen's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Durango average of 93. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durango.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brinceton Phipps | 210 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paige Mallette | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Smith | 57 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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