Hip
Dr. Mitchell Wattles, MD
Dr. Mitchell Wattles is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Louis, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Wattles has performed 48 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #17 in Missouri.
In Missouri, Dr. Wattles performs above average in hip (48 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Wattles's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 48 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.
Saint Louis is home to 50 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Saint Louis area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Wattles's Medicare data spans 3 years, beginning in 2021. Volume peaked at 131 procedures in 2022 before settling at 48 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wattles's 48 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Wattles Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Contact & Location
Saint Louis, MO 63141
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wattles's recorded volume peaked at 131 procedures in 2022 and stood at 48 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wattles
How does Dr. Wattles's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Wattles has performed 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wattles ranks #80 out of 199 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wattles perform?
Dr. Wattles's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 48 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Wattles with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Wattles ranks #17 in Missouri for hip replacement with 48 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 199 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wattles in Saint Louis?
Yes. There are 50 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wattles 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. Wattles's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 48 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wattles's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wattles's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 131 procedures in 2022 and was 48 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wattles affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wattles is affiliated with Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital.
How does Dr. Wattles compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis?
Among the 50 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis, Dr. Wattles ranks #20 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saint Louis has 263 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wattles practices?
Missouri Baptist Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital (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 Saint Louis, Missouri
Dr. Wattles's 48 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Louis average of 135. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Louis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ryan Nunley | 263 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Hubbard | 135 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Christopher Mudd | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ilya Bendich | 128 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Coles L'hommedieu | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Palmer | 121 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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