Dr. Richard Blalock, M.D.
Contact & Location
Murray, KY 42071
Dr. Richard Blalock is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Murray, Kentucky. Dr. Blalock has performed 17 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #80 in Kentucky.
In Kentucky, Dr. Blalock performs below average in knee (17 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Blalock's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 17 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Murray is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Murray area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Blalock first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Blalock's 17 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. Blalock Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kentucky state average.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA 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.
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. Blalock
How does Dr. Blalock's procedure volume compare to other Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Blalock has performed 17 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Kentucky average is 61 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Blalock ranks #103 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blalock perform?
Dr. Blalock's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 17 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Blalock in Murray?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Murray 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. Blalock 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. Blalock's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 17 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Blalock affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blalock is affiliated with Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
How does Dr. Blalock compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Murray?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Murray, Dr. Blalock ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Blalock is among the highest-volume surgeons in Murray.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blalock practices?
Murray-Calloway County Hospital (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 Murray, Kentucky
Dr. Blalock's 17 Medicare procedures are below the Murray average of 30. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Murray.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Derek Morgan | 59 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Stephen Compton | 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.