Dr. Jeffrey Dickson, D.O.
Contact & Location
406-457-4180
Helena, MT 59601
Dr. Dickson performs more joint replacement procedures than 20% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #31 of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. Dickson
Practice. Dr. Jeffrey Dickson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Helena, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 18 shoulder replacements. That is #8 in Montana for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2014.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2020 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 18, up 38%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 18 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Helena has 5 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 | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 13 | 0 |
| 2021 | 13 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 16 |
| 2024 | 0 | 18 |
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. Dickson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Dickson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 38% from 13 procedures in 2020 to 18 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Dickson
How does Dr. Dickson's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Dickson has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Montana average is 81 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Dickson ranks #31 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Dickson perform?
Dr. Dickson's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Dickson with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Dickson ranks #8 in Montana for shoulder replacement with 18 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 39 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Dickson in Helena?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Helena 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. Dickson 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. Dickson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 60 procedures against the 18 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. Dickson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Dickson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2020 to 18 in the most recent data, a 38% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 18 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Dickson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Dickson is affiliated with St Peters Health.
How does Dr. Dickson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Helena?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Helena, Dr. Dickson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Dickson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Helena.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Dickson practices?
St Peters Health (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 Helena, Montana
Dr. Dickson's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Helena average of 52. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Helena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kerry Hale | 168 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Peter Hanson | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Erik Bergquist | 16 | Shoulder |
| Dr. John Michelotti | 14 | 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.