Dr. Kim Stimpson, M.D.
Contact & Location
406-752-6784
Kalispell, MT 59901
Dr. Stimpson performs more knee replacement procedures than 34% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #19 of 29 ranked knee surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. Stimpson
Practice. Dr. Kim Stimpson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kalispell, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 27 knee replacements and 16 shoulder replacements, 43 procedures in all. That is #19 in Montana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 43, up 291%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 27 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Kalispell has 7 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 | 11 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 21 | 0 |
| 2017 | 24 | 0 |
| 2018 | 27 | 0 |
| 2019 | 35 | 16 |
| 2020 | 29 | 0 |
| 2021 | 32 | 0 |
| 2022 | 46 | 24 |
| 2023 | 28 | 23 |
| 2024 | 27 | 16 |
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. 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. Stimpson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stimpson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 291% from 11 procedures in 2014 to 43 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Stimpson
How does Dr. Stimpson's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Stimpson has performed 43 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. Stimpson ranks #22 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stimpson perform?
Dr. Stimpson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and shoulder replacement (16 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Stimpson with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Stimpson ranks #19 in Montana for knee replacement with 27 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 39 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stimpson in Kalispell?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Kalispell 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. Stimpson 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, which puts Dr. Stimpson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 170 procedures against the 43 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. Stimpson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stimpson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2014 to 43 in the most recent data, a 291% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 70 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Stimpson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stimpson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stimpson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stimpson is affiliated with Logan Health Medical Center, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, Logan Health - Whitefish.
How does Dr. Stimpson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kalispell?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Kalispell, Dr. Stimpson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Stimpson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Kalispell.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stimpson practices?
Logan Health Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cabinet Peaks Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Logan Health - Whitefish (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Kalispell, Montana
Dr. Stimpson's 43 Medicare procedures are below the Kalispell average of 62. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kalispell.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joseph Bergman | 164 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Joyce | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stanley Makman | 18 | Knee |
| Dr. Karen Perser | 18 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Bailey | 16 | Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Ward | 16 | 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.