Dr. Richard Wathne, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Richard Wathne is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pocatello, Idaho. In 2023, Dr. Wathne performed 38 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#20 in Idaho) and 14 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 52 procedures.

Dr. Wathne's 52 Medicare procedures are near the Idaho median of 43. The state has 69 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Medicare fee-for-service data captures roughly 33–37% of all joint replacements, so total surgical volume is likely higher.

Dr. Wathne's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (38 cases) and shoulder replacements (14 cases).

Pocatello is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pocatello area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Verified Medicare Cases (2023)

Knee Replacement
38 verified cases
#20 in Idaho
Shoulder Replacement
14 verified cases
#22 in Idaho
Estimated total: 140 – 160 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Hospital Affiliations

H
Portneuf Medical Center
Pocatello, ID

Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-2023)

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wathne

How does Dr. Wathne's procedure volume compare to other Idaho surgeons?

In 2023, Dr. Wathne performed 52 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Idaho average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wathne ranks #29 out of 69 orthopedic surgeons in Idaho.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wathne perform?

Dr. Wathne's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases) and shoulder replacement (14 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Wathne with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Wathne ranks #20 in Idaho for knee replacement with 38 Medicare-verified procedures in 2023. This high ranking among 69 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wathne in Pocatello?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Pocatello 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 Idaho surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wathne represent?

The procedure counts shown are based on Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data for 2023, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Wathne's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 52 procedures shown here.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Pocatello, Idaho

Compare Dr. Wathne's volume with other surgeons practicing in Pocatello.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Aaron Altenburg 169 Hip, Knee
Dr. Gregory Ford 43 Hip, Knee

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Contact & Location

📞 Phone: 208-233-2100
2240 E Center St
Pocatello, ID 83201
NPI: 1033296330
Credentials: MD
✅ Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
📅 20 years of practice experience
🎓 Licensed MD
🏥 Licensed surgical specialist
🦴 Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
⚽ Sports medicine specialist
📞 Contact information available
Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately 33–37% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide (63% of Medicare fee-for-service). Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.