Dr. Bryan Emmerson, M.D.
Dr. Bryan Emmerson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Emmerson has performed 110 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#35 in California) and 91 hip replacements, for a combined total of 201 procedures.
In California, Dr. Emmerson performs well above average in knee (110 vs 45 avg), well above average in hip (91 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Emmerson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (110 cases) and hip replacements (91 cases).
Santa Barbara is home to 12 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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 50 to 201 in the most recent data, a 302% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Emmerson's 110 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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.
Contact & Location
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Emmerson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 302% from 50 procedures in 2013 to 201 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 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. Emmerson
How does Dr. Emmerson's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Emmerson has performed 201 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Emmerson ranks #32 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Emmerson perform?
Dr. Emmerson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (110 cases) and hip replacement (91 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Emmerson in Santa Barbara?
Yes. There are 12 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 201 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 201 in the most recent data, a 302% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 201 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Emmerson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Emmerson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (110 cases), hip replacement (91 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 12 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Emmerson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Emmerson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Santa Barbara.
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 201 Medicare procedures are above the Santa Barbara average of 139. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Gallivan | 216 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Birch | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Graham Hurvitz | 134 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Zmolek | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Craviotto | 63 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. William Dunbar | 46 | Knee, Shoulder |
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.