Dr. Kerry Hale, M.D.
Contact & Location
406-457-4180
Helena, MT 59601
Dr. Hale performs more knee replacement procedures than 79% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #6 of 29 ranked knee surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. Hale
Practice. Dr. Kerry Hale is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Helena, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 99 knee replacements and 69 hip replacements, 168 procedures in all. That is #6 in Montana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 46 procedures a year to 168, up 265%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 99 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 27 |
| 2014 | 16 | 38 |
| 2015 | 25 | 35 |
| 2016 | 38 | 39 |
| 2017 | 28 | 65 |
| 2018 | 58 | 92 |
| 2019 | 74 | 96 |
| 2020 | 71 | 88 |
| 2021 | 68 | 64 |
| 2022 | 69 | 91 |
| 2023 | 61 | 107 |
| 2024 | 69 | 99 |
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, 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. Hale Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hale's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 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 #5 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hale perform?
Dr. Hale's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (99 cases) and hip replacement (69 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Hale with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Hale ranks #6 in Montana for knee replacement with 99 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 39 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hale 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. Hale 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Hale's total volume across all insurers at roughly 560 to 710 procedures against the 168 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. 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 12 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 (99 cases), hip replacement (69 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 5 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 52. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Helena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Peter Hanson | 43 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Dickson | 18 | Shoulder |
| 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.