Dr. Michael Blankstein, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Michael Blankstein is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in South Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Blankstein has performed 51 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#4 in Vermont) and 31 knee replacements, for a combined total of 82 procedures.
In Vermont, Dr. Blankstein performs above average in hip (51 vs 36 avg), below average in knee (31 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Blankstein's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (51 cases) and knee replacements (31 cases).
South Burlington is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the South Burlington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Blankstein also maintains hospital privileges in VT and NY, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Vermont.
Medicare records for Dr. Blankstein extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 18 to 82 in the most recent data, a 356% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Blankstein's 51 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Blankstein Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Vermont state average.
Contact & Location
South Burlington, VT 05403
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Blankstein's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 356% from 18 procedures in 2014 to 82 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Blankstein
How does Dr. Blankstein's procedure volume compare to other Vermont surgeons?
Dr. Blankstein has performed 82 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Vermont average of 67 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Blankstein ranks #6 out of 17 orthopedic surgeons in Vermont.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Blankstein perform?
Dr. Blankstein's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (51 cases) and knee replacement (31 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Blankstein with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Blankstein ranks #4 in Vermont for hip replacement with 51 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 17 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Blankstein in South Burlington?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in South Burlington 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 Vermont surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Blankstein 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. Blankstein's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 82 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Blankstein's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Blankstein's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2014 to 82 in the most recent data, a 356% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 100 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Blankstein perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Blankstein's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (51 cases), knee replacement (31 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Blankstein affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Blankstein is affiliated with University Of Vermont Medical Center, Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake, Northwestern Medical Center Inc, Elizabethtown Community Hospital, The University Of Vermont Health Network - Champl. Dr. Blankstein maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Blankstein compare to other orthopedic surgeons in South Burlington?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in South Burlington, Dr. Blankstein ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Blankstein is among the highest-volume surgeons in South Burlington.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Blankstein practices?
University Of Vermont Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwestern Medical Center Inc (3 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 South Burlington, Vermont
Dr. Blankstein's 82 Medicare procedures are below the South Burlington average of 92. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in South Burlington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nathaniel Nelms | 112 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Haimes | 82 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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