#1 in Louisiana
Shoulder

Dr. Nickos Hatzis, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
55 procedures 3 hospitals Baton Rouge, LA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Volume Leader Rising Star
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 55 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Nickos Hatzis is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hatzis has performed 55 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #1 in Louisiana.

In Louisiana, Dr. Hatzis performs well above average in shoulder (55 vs 25 avg).

Dr. Hatzis's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 55 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 16 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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 34 to 55 in the most recent data, a 62% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hatzis's 55 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
55 verified cases
#1 in Louisiana
Estimated total: 150 – 170 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.

How Dr. Hatzis Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.

Shoulder Very High
55 Avg: 25
Dr. Hatzis Louisiana Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 225-924-2424
8080 Bluebonnet Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
NPI: 1598723298
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Hatzis's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 62% from 34 procedures in 2013 to 55 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 55
Peak Volume 55 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Surgical Specialty Center Of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, LA
Similar to national avg
H
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
★★★☆☆
Baton Rouge, LA
Similar to national avg
H
Merit Health Natchez
★★☆☆☆
Natchez, MS
Low case volume

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.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

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 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Louisiana average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hatzis ranks #46 out of 118 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 55 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 #1 in Louisiana for shoulder replacement with 55 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 118 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hatzis in Baton Rouge?

Yes. There are 16 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 55 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 55 in the most recent data, a 62% increase over 11 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 16 orthopedic surgeons in Baton Rouge, Dr. Hatzis ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Baton Rouge has 120 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 55 Medicare procedures are below the Baton Rouge average of 69. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Baton Rouge.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Robert Easton 120 Hip, Knee
Dr. Craig Greene 72 Hip, Knee
Dr. Albert Bankston 64 Knee
Dr. Jared Braud 61 Hip, Knee
Dr. Reginald Griffith 59 Hip, Knee
Dr. Joseph Broyles 55 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Nickos Hatzis, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/la/dr-nickos-hatzis-baton-rouge.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/la/dr-nickos-hatzis-baton-rouge.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

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 one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.