Dr. Jonathan Watling, M.D.
Contact & Location
207-773-0040
South Portland, ME 04106
Portland, ME 04102
Windham, ME 04062
Falmouth, ME 04105
Dr. Watling performs more joint replacement procedures than 69% of orthopedic surgeons in Maine, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #13 of 43 orthopedic surgeons in Maine.
About Dr. Watling
Practice. Dr. Jonathan Watling is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in South Portland, Maine. The latest annual CMS data records 69 shoulder replacements. That is #1 in Maine for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2011.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume rose from 23 procedures a year to 69, up 200%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 69 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 29. That is #124 nationally.
Local context. South Portland has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 41 |
| 2021 | 59 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 69 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Watling Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Maine state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Watling's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 200% from 23 procedures in 2018 to 69 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:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Watling
How does Dr. Watling's procedure volume compare to other Maine surgeons?
Dr. Watling has performed 69 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Maine average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Watling ranks #13 out of 43 orthopedic surgeons in Maine.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Watling perform?
Dr. Watling's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 69 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Watling with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Watling ranks #1 in Maine for shoulder replacement with 69 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 43 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Watling in South Portland?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in South Portland 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 Maine surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Watling represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Watling's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 240 procedures against the 69 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Watling's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Watling's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2018 to 69 in the most recent data, a 200% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 69 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Watling affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Watling is affiliated with Mainehealth Maine Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Watling practices?
Mainehealth Maine Medical Center (4 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 South Portland, Maine
Dr. Watling's 69 Medicare procedures are above the South Portland average of 44. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in South Portland.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Kahan | 18 | Shoulder |
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.