Dr. John Blankenship, MD
Dr. John Blankenship is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Blankenship has performed 51 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#26 in Kentucky) and 20 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 71 procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Blankenship performs near average in knee (51 vs 44 avg), below average in shoulder (20 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Blankenship's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (51 cases) and shoulder replacements (20 cases).
Elizabethtown is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Elizabethtown area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Blankenship extend back to 2017, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 71 in the most recent data, a 407% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Blankenship's 51 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Blankenship Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
Contact & Location
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blankenship's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 407% from 14 procedures in 2017 to 71 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Blankenship
How does Dr. Blankenship's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Blankenship has performed 71 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kentucky average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Blankenship ranks #34 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blankenship perform?
Dr. Blankenship's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases) and shoulder replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Blankenship in Elizabethtown?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Elizabethtown 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 Kentucky surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Blankenship 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. Blankenship's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 71 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Blankenship's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Blankenship's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2017 to 71 in the most recent data, a 407% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 71 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Blankenship perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Blankenship's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (51 cases), shoulder replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Blankenship affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blankenship is affiliated with Baptist Health Hardin.
How does Dr. Blankenship compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Elizabethtown?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Elizabethtown, Dr. Blankenship ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Blankenship is among the highest-volume surgeons in Elizabethtown.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blankenship practices?
Baptist Health Hardin (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 Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Dr. Blankenship's 71 Medicare procedures are below the Elizabethtown average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Elizabethtown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Been | 161 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Marcis Craig | 112 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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