Dr. Richard Wathne, MD
Contact & Location
Pocatello, ID 83201
Dr. Richard Wathne is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pocatello, Idaho. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Wathne has performed 27 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#7 in Idaho) and 20 knee replacements, for a combined total of 47 procedures.
In Idaho, Dr. Wathne performs near average in shoulder (27 vs 23 avg), below average in knee (20 vs 39 avg).
Dr. Wathne's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (27 cases) and knee replacements (20 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Wathne extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 39 to 47 in the most recent data, a 21% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wathne's 27 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
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. Wathne Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Idaho state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wathne's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 21% from 39 procedures in 2013 to 47 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wathne
How does Dr. Wathne's procedure volume compare to other Idaho surgeons?
Dr. Wathne has performed 47 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Idaho average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wathne ranks #30 out of 70 orthopedic surgeons in Idaho.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wathne perform?
Dr. Wathne's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (27 cases) and knee replacement (20 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Wathne with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Wathne ranks #7 in Idaho for shoulder replacement with 27 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 70 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 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. Wathne's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 47 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wathne's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wathne's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 39 procedures in 2013 to 47 in the most recent data, a 21% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 55 procedures in 2020.
Does Dr. Wathne perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wathne's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (27 cases), knee replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wathne affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wathne is affiliated with Portneuf Medical Center.
How does Dr. Wathne compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pocatello?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Pocatello, Dr. Wathne ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Wathne is among the highest-volume surgeons in Pocatello.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wathne practices?
Portneuf Medical Center (3 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 Pocatello, Idaho
Dr. Wathne's 47 Medicare procedures are below the Pocatello average of 75. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pocatello.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Aaron Altenburg | 126 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gregory Ford | 51 | Hip, 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.