Dr. Nick Blavatsky, MD
Dr. Nick Blavatsky is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Butte, Montana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Blavatsky has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#30 in Montana) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 35 procedures.
In Montana, Dr. Blavatsky performs below average in knee (18 vs 58 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 54 avg).
Dr. Blavatsky's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (18 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).
Dr. Blavatsky is the only orthopedic surgeon in Butte represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Blavatsky's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 70 procedures in 2019 before settling at 35 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Blavatsky's 18 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. Blavatsky Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Contact & Location
Butte, MT 59701
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blavatsky's recorded volume peaked at 70 procedures in 2019 and stood at 35 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
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. Blavatsky
How does Dr. Blavatsky's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Blavatsky has performed 35 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. Blavatsky ranks #28 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blavatsky perform?
Dr. Blavatsky's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Where is Dr. Blavatsky's practice located?
Dr. Blavatsky practices in Butte, Montana. The office is located at 435 S Crystal St, Butte, MT 59701. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Blavatsky for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Blavatsky 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. Blavatsky's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Blavatsky's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Blavatsky's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 70 procedures in 2019 and was 35 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Blavatsky perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Blavatsky's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Blavatsky affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blavatsky is affiliated with Intermountain Health St James Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blavatsky practices?
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.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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