Dr. Matthew Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
970-764-9400
Durango, CO 81301
Dr. Smith performs more knee replacement procedures than 34% of orthopedic surgeons in Colorado, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #77 of 118 ranked knee surgeons in Colorado.
About Dr. Smith
Practice. Dr. Matthew Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Durango, Colorado. The latest annual CMS data records 30 knee replacements and 30 shoulder replacements, 60 procedures in all. That is #77 in Colorado for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2011.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 60, up 362%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 30 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
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 | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 13 |
| 2019 | 0 | 11 |
| 2020 | 12 | 20 |
| 2021 | 0 | 21 |
| 2022 | 21 | 12 |
| 2023 | 34 | 23 |
| 2024 | 30 | 30 |
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. 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 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. Smith's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 230 procedures against the 60 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. 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.