Dr. Brinceton Phipps, M.D.
Dr. Brinceton Phipps is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durango, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Phipps has performed 110 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#8 in Colorado) and 100 hip replacements, for a combined total of 210 procedures.
In Colorado, Dr. Phipps performs well above average in knee (110 vs 49 avg), well above average in hip (100 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Phipps's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (110 cases) and hip replacements (100 cases).
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. Phipps extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 90 to 210 in the most recent data, a 133% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Phipps's 110 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Phipps Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Contact & Location
Durango, CO 81301
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Phipps's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 133% from 90 procedures in 2013 to 210 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.
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.
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 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. Phipps
How does Dr. Phipps's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Phipps has performed 210 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Colorado average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Phipps ranks #7 out of 165 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Phipps perform?
Dr. Phipps's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (110 cases) and hip replacement (100 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Phipps with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Phipps ranks #8 in Colorado for knee replacement with 110 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 165 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Phipps 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. Phipps 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. Phipps's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 210 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Phipps's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Phipps's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 90 procedures in 2013 to 210 in the most recent data, a 133% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 210 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Phipps perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Phipps's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (110 cases), hip replacement (100 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Phipps affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Phipps is affiliated with Animas Surgical Hospital, Llc, Mercy Hospital.
How does Dr. Phipps compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durango?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Durango, Dr. Phipps ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Phipps has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Phipps practices?
Animas Surgical Hospital, Llc (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Durango, Colorado
Dr. Phipps's 210 Medicare procedures are above the Durango average of 93. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Durango.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Paige Mallette | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Smith | 57 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brian Butzen | 20 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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