Dr. Nickos Hatzis, MD
Contact & Location
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Dr. Nickos Hatzis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hatzis has performed 44 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #5 in Louisiana.
In Louisiana, Dr. Hatzis performs above average in shoulder (44 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Hatzis's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 44 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.
Baton Rouge is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Baton Rouge area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Hatzis also maintains hospital privileges in LA and MS, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Louisiana.
Medicare records for Dr. Hatzis extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 34 to 44 in the most recent data, a 29% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hatzis's 44 verified procedures is above 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. Hatzis Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hatzis's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 29% from 34 procedures in 2013 to 44 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Hatzis
How does Dr. Hatzis's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Hatzis has performed 44 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Louisiana average of 54 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hatzis ranks #47 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hatzis perform?
Dr. Hatzis's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 44 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Hatzis with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Hatzis ranks #5 in Louisiana for shoulder replacement with 44 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 104 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hatzis in Baton Rouge?
Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge 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 Louisiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hatzis 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. Hatzis's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 44 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hatzis's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hatzis's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 34 procedures in 2013 to 44 in the most recent data, a 29% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 55 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hatzis affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hatzis is affiliated with Surgical Specialty Center Of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Merit Health Natchez. Dr. Hatzis maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Hatzis compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge?
Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge, Dr. Hatzis ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Baton Rouge has 138 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hatzis practices?
Surgical Specialty Center Of Baton Rouge (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baton Rouge General Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Merit Health Natchez (2 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Dr. Hatzis's 44 Medicare procedures are below the Baton Rouge average of 69. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Baton Rouge.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Easton | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Greene | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Albert Bankston | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Broyles | 59 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jared Braud | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Whatley | 41 | 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.