Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick, M.D.
Contact & Location
719-595-7780
Pueblo, CO 81008
Dr. Fitzpatrick performs more knee replacement procedures than 26% of orthopedic surgeons in Colorado, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #87 of 118 ranked knee surgeons in Colorado.
About Dr. Fitzpatrick
Practice. Dr. Jennifer Fitzpatrick is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pueblo, Colorado. The latest annual CMS data records 23 knee replacements and 21 shoulder replacements, 44 procedures in all. That is #87 in Colorado for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2017 to 2024, 8 years. Volume rose from 18 procedures a year to 44, up 144%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Pueblo has 9 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 | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 18 | 0 |
| 2018 | 16 | 0 |
| 2019 | 19 | 14 |
| 2020 | 19 | 0 |
| 2021 | 19 | 12 |
| 2022 | 26 | 11 |
| 2023 | 40 | 27 |
| 2024 | 23 | 21 |
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, 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. Fitzpatrick Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Fitzpatrick's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 144% from 18 procedures in 2017 to 44 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Fitzpatrick
How does Dr. Fitzpatrick's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Fitzpatrick has performed 44 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. Fitzpatrick ranks #91 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Fitzpatrick perform?
Dr. Fitzpatrick's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and shoulder replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Fitzpatrick 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. Fitzpatrick 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Fitzpatrick's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 44 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. Fitzpatrick's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Fitzpatrick's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2017 to 44 in the most recent data, a 144% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 67 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Fitzpatrick perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Fitzpatrick's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), shoulder replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Fitzpatrick affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Fitzpatrick is affiliated with Parkview Medical Center, Inc, Prowers Medical Center.
How does Dr. Fitzpatrick compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pueblo?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Pueblo, Dr. Fitzpatrick ranks #4 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. Fitzpatrick practices?
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. Fitzpatrick's 44 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. Blake Clifton | 31 | Hip, Knee |
| 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.