Dr. Nicholas Sablan, M.D.
Contact & Location
757-827-2422
Hampton, VA 23666
About Dr. Sablan
Dr. Nicholas Sablan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hampton, Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Sablan performed 18 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #43 in Virginia.
In Virginia, Dr. Sablan performs below the state average in shoulder (18 vs 33).
Dr. Sablan's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 18 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Sablan holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Hampton is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hampton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Sablan extend back to 2013, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 18 in the most recent data, a 38% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Sablan's 18 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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 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. 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 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. Sablan's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 18 procedures shown here.
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.
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.