Dr. Jason Defee, M.D., PA
Contact & Location
719-589-2511
Alamosa, CO 81101
Dr. Defee performs more joint replacement procedures than 1% of orthopedic surgeons in Colorado, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #166 of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
About Dr. Defee
Practice. Dr. Jason Defee is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Alamosa, Colorado. The latest annual CMS data records 12 knee replacements. That is #117 in Colorado for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 8 years. Volume peaked at 43 in 2015 and stands at 12 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 12 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Alamosa has 2 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 14 | 27 |
| 2014 | 0 | 16 |
| 2015 | 15 | 28 |
| 2016 | 0 | 34 |
| 2017 | 11 | 11 |
| 2018 | 0 | 16 |
| 2019 | 0 | 13 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 12 |
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. Defee Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Defee's recorded volume peaked at 43 procedures in 2015 and stood at 12 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Defee
How does Dr. Defee's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Defee has performed 12 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. Defee ranks #166 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Defee perform?
Dr. Defee's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Defee in Alamosa?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Alamosa 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. Defee 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. Defee's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 12 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. Defee's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Defee's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 43 procedures in 2015 and was 12 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. Defee affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Defee is affiliated with San Luis Valley Health, Rio Grande Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Defee practices?
San Luis Valley Health (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Rio Grande Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Alamosa, Colorado
Dr. Defee's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Alamosa average of 18. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Alamosa.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Carissa Tripi | 23 | 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.