Dr. Kerry Hale, M.D.
Dr. Kerry Hale is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Helena, Montana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hale has performed 107 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#5 in Montana) and 61 hip replacements, for a combined total of 168 procedures.
In Montana, Dr. Hale performs above average in knee (107 vs 58 avg), near average in hip (61 vs 54 avg).
Dr. Hale's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (107 cases) and hip replacements (61 cases).
Helena is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Helena area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hale extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 46 to 168 in the most recent data, a 265% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hale's 107 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Hale Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Contact & Location
Helena, MT 59601
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hale's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 265% from 46 procedures in 2013 to 168 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 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-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.
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. Hale
How does Dr. Hale's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Hale has performed 168 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Montana average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hale ranks #8 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hale perform?
Dr. Hale's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (107 cases) and hip replacement (61 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Hale with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Hale ranks #5 in Montana for knee replacement with 107 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 45 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hale in Helena?
Yes. There are 4 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. Hale 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. Hale's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 168 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hale's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hale's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 46 procedures in 2013 to 168 in the most recent data, a 265% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 170 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Hale perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hale's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (107 cases), hip replacement (61 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hale affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hale is affiliated with St Peters Health, Intermountain Health St James Hospital.
How does Dr. Hale compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Helena?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Helena, Dr. Hale ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hale has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hale practices?
St Peters Health (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Intermountain Health St James Hospital (2 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. Hale's 168 Medicare procedures are above the Helena average of 57. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Helena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Peter Hanson | 31 | Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Dickson | 16 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Erik Bergquist | 13 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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