Dr. Timothy O'brien, M.D.
Contact & Location
406-586-8029
Bozeman, MT 59718
Dr. O'brien performs more knee replacement procedures than 27% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #21 of 29 ranked knee surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. O'brien
Practice. Dr. Timothy O'brien is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bozeman, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 24 knee replacements. That is #21 in Montana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 60 in 2021 and stands at 24 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 24 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Bozeman has 4 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 | 0 | 15 |
| 2014 | 0 | 18 |
| 2015 | 0 | 19 |
| 2016 | 0 | 27 |
| 2017 | 0 | 16 |
| 2018 | 12 | 26 |
| 2019 | 14 | 31 |
| 2020 | 15 | 28 |
| 2021 | 12 | 48 |
| 2022 | 14 | 36 |
| 2023 | 16 | 36 |
| 2024 | 0 | 24 |
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. 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. O'brien Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. O'brien's recorded volume peaked at 60 procedures in 2021 and stood at 24 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. O'brien
How does Dr. O'brien's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. O'brien has performed 24 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. O'brien ranks #26 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. O'brien perform?
Dr. O'brien's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. O'brien in Bozeman?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Bozeman 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. O'brien 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, which puts Dr. O'brien's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 100 procedures against the 24 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. O'brien's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. O'brien's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 60 procedures in 2021 and was 24 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. O'brien affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. O'brien is affiliated with Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center, Madison Valley Medical Center, Livingston Healthcare, Big Sky Medical Center.
How does Dr. O'brien compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bozeman?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Bozeman, Dr. O'brien ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bozeman has 145 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. O'brien practices?
Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Livingston Healthcare (1 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 Bozeman, Montana
Dr. O'brien's 24 Medicare procedures are below the Bozeman average of 76. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bozeman.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Martin Gelbke | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dean Sukin | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Hiesterman | 24 | Hip, Knee |
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.