Dr. Gary Willstein, MD
Dr. Gary Willstein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Missoula, Montana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Willstein has completed 35 knee replacements (#21 in Montana), 29 shoulder replacements, and 22 hip replacements, totaling 86 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Montana, Dr. Willstein performs below average in knee (35 vs 58 avg), near average in shoulder (29 vs 27 avg), below average in hip (22 vs 54 avg).
Dr. Willstein performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (35 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (29) and hip replacements (22).
Missoula is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Missoula area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Willstein extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 48 to 86 in the most recent data, a 79% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Willstein's 35 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Willstein Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Contact & Location
Missoula, MT 59808
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Willstein's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 79% from 48 procedures in 2013 to 86 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 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Montana average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Willstein ranks #17 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Willstein perform?
Dr. Willstein performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (35 cases), shoulder replacement (29 cases), hip replacement (22 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
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 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. Willstein's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 86 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Willstein's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Willstein's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 48 procedures in 2013 to 86 in the most recent data, a 79% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 95 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Willstein perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Willstein's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (35 cases), shoulder replacement (29 cases), hip replacement (22 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 #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Missoula has 247 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Missoula, Montana
Dr. Willstein's 86 Medicare procedures are below the Missoula average of 130. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Missoula.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Allmacher | 247 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Whiting | 196 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Channer | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Price | 97 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Justin Jacobson | 55 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Larry Stayner | 52 | Knee, Shoulder |
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