Dr. Brian Butzen, M.D.
Contact & Location
970-259-3020
Durango, CO 81301
Dr. Butzen performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 53% of orthopedic surgeons in Colorado, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #25 of 54 ranked shoulder surgeons in Colorado.
About Dr. Butzen
Practice. Dr. Brian Butzen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durango, Colorado. The latest annual CMS data records 28 shoulder replacements. That is #25 in Colorado for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2019 to 2024, 5 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 28, up 155%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is near the national average of 29.
Local context. Durango has 6 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 28 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Butzen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Butzen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 155% from 11 procedures in 2019 to 28 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 28 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. Butzen ranks #122 out of 169 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 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. Butzen in Durango?
Yes. There are 6 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 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Butzen's total volume across all insurers at roughly 80 to 100 procedures against the 28 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. Butzen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Butzen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2019 to 28 in the most recent data, a 155% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 28 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Butzen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Butzen is affiliated with Animas Surgical Hospital, Llc, Pagosa Springs Medical Center.
How does Dr. Butzen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durango?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Durango, Dr. Butzen ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Durango has 213 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 28 Medicare procedures are below the Durango average of 79. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durango.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brinceton Phipps | 213 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paige Mallette | 93 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jacob Wilkerson | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Smith | 60 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jennifer Forrest | 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.