Dr. Bryan Emmerson, M.D.
Contact & Location
805-967-9311
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
About Dr. Emmerson
Dr. Bryan Emmerson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Emmerson performed 125 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#13 in California) and 101 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 226 procedures.
In California, Dr. Emmerson performs well above the state average in hip (125 vs 41), well above the state average in knee (101 vs 47).
Dr. Emmerson's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (125 cases) and knee replacements (101 cases).
Santa Barbara is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Santa Barbara area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Emmerson extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 226 in the most recent data, a 352% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Emmerson's 125 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 36, ranking #62 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 22 | 28 |
| 2014 | 34 | 41 |
| 2015 | 32 | 49 |
| 2016 | 49 | 57 |
| 2017 | 42 | 54 |
| 2018 | 53 | 50 |
| 2019 | 65 | 46 |
| 2020 | 85 | 44 |
| 2021 | 76 | 53 |
| 2022 | 88 | 77 |
| 2023 | 91 | 110 |
| 2024 | 125 | 101 |
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. Emmerson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Emmerson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 352% from 50 procedures in 2013 to 226 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. Emmerson
How does Dr. Emmerson's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Emmerson has performed 226 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Emmerson ranks #23 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Emmerson perform?
Dr. Emmerson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (125 cases) and knee replacement (101 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Emmerson with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Emmerson ranks #13 in California for hip replacement with 125 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 613 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Emmerson in Santa Barbara?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara 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. Emmerson 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. Emmerson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 226 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Emmerson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Emmerson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 50 procedures in 2013 to 226 in the most recent data, a 352% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 226 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Emmerson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Emmerson's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (125 cases), knee replacement (101 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Emmerson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Emmerson is affiliated with Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
How does Dr. Emmerson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Emmerson ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Emmerson has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Emmerson practices?
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (5 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 Santa Barbara, California
Dr. Emmerson's 226 Medicare procedures are above the Santa Barbara average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Gallivan | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Birch | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Graham Hurvitz | 164 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Zmolek | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Craviotto | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Hollstien | 44 | 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.