#31 in California
Shoulder

Dr. Andrew Karich, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
36 procedures 1 hospital Fullerton, CA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 36 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Andrew Karich is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fullerton, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Karich has performed 36 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #31 in California.

In California, Dr. Karich performs above average in shoulder (36 vs 30 avg).

Dr. Karich's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 36 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.

Fullerton is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fullerton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Karich extend back to 2016, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 36 in the most recent data, a 177% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Karich's 36 verified procedures is above the national average of 28.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
36 verified cases
#31 in California
Estimated total: 100 – 110 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Karich Compares

Procedure volume compared to the California state average.

Shoulder High
36 Avg: 30
Dr. Karich California Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 714-626-8630
2141 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92835
NPI: 1508866575
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Karich's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 177% from 13 procedures in 2016 to 36 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 8
2023 Volume 36
Peak Volume 36 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Providence St. Jude Medical Center
★★★★☆
Fullerton, CA
Similar to national avg

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.

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

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. Karich

How does Dr. Karich's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?

Dr. Karich has performed 36 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Karich ranks #339 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Karich perform?

Dr. Karich's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 36 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Karich in Fullerton?

Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Fullerton 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. Karich 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. Karich's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 36 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Karich's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Karich's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2016 to 36 in the most recent data, a 177% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 36 procedures in 2023.

Which hospitals is Dr. Karich affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Karich is affiliated with Providence St. Jude Medical Center.

How does Dr. Karich compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fullerton?

Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Fullerton, Dr. Karich ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Karich is among the highest-volume surgeons in Fullerton.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Karich practices?

Providence St. Jude Medical Center (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 Fullerton, California

Dr. Karich's 36 Medicare procedures are below the Fullerton average of 42. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fullerton.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Johan Forslund 94 Hip, Knee
Dr. Shahram Solhpour 39 Knee
Dr. Stewart Shanfield 33 Hip, Knee
Dr. Kiarash Khajavi 31 Knee
Dr. David Downs 20 Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Andrew Karich, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-andrew-karich-fullerton.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-andrew-karich-fullerton.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.