Dr. Nicholas Sablan, M.D.
Contact & Location
757-827-2422
Hampton, VA 23666
Dr. Sablan performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 32% of orthopedic surgeons in Virginia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #43 of 64 ranked shoulder surgeons in Virginia.
About Dr. Sablan
Practice. Dr. Nicholas Sablan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hampton, Virginia. The latest annual CMS data records 18 shoulder replacements. That is #43 in Virginia for shoulder replacement. Dr. Sablan also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 13 procedures a year to 18, up 38%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 18 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Hampton 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 18 |
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 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. Sablan Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sablan's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 38% from 13 procedures in 2013 to 18 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Sablan
How does Dr. Sablan's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Sablan has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Virginia average is 82 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Sablan ranks #198 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sablan perform?
Dr. Sablan's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 18 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sablan in Hampton?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hampton 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 Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Sablan 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Sablan's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 60 procedures against the 18 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. Sablan's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sablan's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2013 to 18 in the most recent data, a 38% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 29 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sablan affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sablan is affiliated with Sentara Careplex Hospital, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Riverside Doctors' Hospital Of Williamsburg, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.
How does Dr. Sablan compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hampton?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Hampton, Dr. Sablan ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Hampton has 178 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sablan practices?
Sentara Careplex Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Riverside Doctors' Hospital Of Williamsburg (4 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 Hampton, Virginia
Dr. Sablan's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Hampton average of 98. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hampton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Higgins | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Colin Kingston | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Loel Payne | 97 | Knee, 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.