Dr. Matthew Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
Durango, CO 81301
Dr. Matthew Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durango, Colorado. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Smith has performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#77 in Colorado) and 30 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 60 procedures.
In Colorado, Dr. Smith performs below average in knee (30 vs 48 avg), near average in shoulder (30 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Smith's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (30 cases) and shoulder replacements (30 cases).
Durango is home to 6 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. Smith extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 60 in the most recent data, a 362% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Smith's 30 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Colorado state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 362% from 13 procedures in 2018 to 60 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.
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. Smith
How does Dr. Smith's procedure volume compare to other Colorado surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 60 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Colorado average of 64 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #69 out of 169 orthopedic surgeons in Colorado.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases) and shoulder replacement (30 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 60 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2018 to 60 in the most recent data, a 362% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 60 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (30 cases), shoulder replacement (30 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Mercy Hospital, Southwest Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Durango?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Durango, Dr. Smith ranks #4 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. Smith practices?
Mercy Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Southwest Memorial Hospital (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. Smith's 60 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. Brian Butzen | 28 | 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.