Dr. Gary Willstein, M.D.
Contact & Location
406-721-4436
Missoula, MT 59808
Dr. Willstein performs more knee replacement procedures than 44% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #16 of 29 ranked knee surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. Willstein
Practice. Dr. Gary Willstein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Missoula, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 40 knee replacements, 40 shoulder replacements, and 17 hip replacements, 97 procedures in all. That is #16 in Montana for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 48 procedures a year to 97, up 102%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 40 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Missoula has 9 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 35 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 | 33 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 | 24 | 15 |
| 2016 | 19 | 44 | 22 |
| 2017 | 24 | 43 | 23 |
| 2018 | 26 | 43 | 26 |
| 2019 | 26 | 31 | 29 |
| 2020 | 21 | 32 | 15 |
| 2021 | 26 | 40 | 21 |
| 2022 | 17 | 45 | 27 |
| 2023 | 22 | 35 | 29 |
| 2024 | 17 | 40 | 40 |
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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Willstein Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Willstein's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 102% from 48 procedures in 2013 to 97 in the most recent data.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Willstein
How does Dr. Willstein's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Willstein has performed 97 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Montana average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Willstein ranks #15 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Willstein perform?
Dr. Willstein performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Willstein with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Willstein ranks #16 in Montana for knee replacement with 40 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 39 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Willstein in Missoula?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Missoula 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 Montana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Willstein 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Willstein's total volume across all insurers at roughly 300 to 380 procedures against the 97 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. Willstein's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Willstein's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 48 procedures in 2013 to 97 in the most recent data, a 102% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 97 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Willstein perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Willstein's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Willstein among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
How does Dr. Willstein compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Missoula?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Missoula, Dr. Willstein ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Missoula has 231 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Missoula, Montana
Dr. Willstein's 97 Medicare procedures are below the Missoula average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Missoula.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Allmacher | 231 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Channer | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Whiting | 167 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Price | 80 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Larry Stayner | 49 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Justin Jacobson | 44 | 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.