Dr. Alexander Vlahu, MD
Contact & Location
La Jolla, CA 92037
Dr. Alexander Vlahu is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Jolla, California. Dr. Vlahu has performed 42 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#179 in California) and 32 hip replacements, for a combined total of 74 procedures.
In California, Dr. Vlahu performs near average in knee (42 vs 47 avg), below average in hip (32 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Vlahu's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (42 cases) and hip replacements (32 cases).
La Jolla is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the La Jolla area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Vlahu first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Vlahu's 42 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Vlahu Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
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.
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.
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. Vlahu
How does Dr. Vlahu's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Vlahu has performed 74 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Vlahu ranks #183 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Vlahu perform?
Dr. Vlahu's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases) and hip replacement (32 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Vlahu in La Jolla?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Vlahu 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. Vlahu's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 74 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Vlahu perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Vlahu's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases), hip replacement (32 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Vlahu affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Vlahu is affiliated with Indiana University Health North Hospital, Indiana University Health. Dr. Vlahu maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Vlahu compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla, Dr. Vlahu ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in La Jolla has 232 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Vlahu practices?
Indiana University Health North Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Indiana University Health (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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in La Jolla, California
Dr. Vlahu's 74 Medicare procedures are below the La Jolla average of 156. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Jolla.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Bugbee | 232 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Copp | 211 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Wilde | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anna Kulidjian | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Weber | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kace Ezzet | 108 | 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.