#94 Shoulder
#402 Knee

Dr. Charles Wilhite, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
30 procedures Chico, CA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 16 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)
Shoulder 14 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. Charles Wilhite is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Chico, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Wilhite has performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#402 in California) and 14 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 30 procedures.

In California, Dr. Wilhite performs below average in knee (16 vs 45 avg), below average in shoulder (14 vs 30 avg).

Dr. Wilhite's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (16 cases) and shoulder replacements (14 cases).

Chico is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Chico area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Wilhite's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2015 before settling at 30 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Wilhite's 16 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
16 verified cases
#402 in California
Shoulder Replacement
14 verified cases
#94 in California
Estimated total: 80 – 90 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. Wilhite Compares

Procedure volume compared to the California state average.

Knee Below Avg
16 Avg: 45
Shoulder Below Avg
14 Avg: 30
Dr. Wilhite California Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 530-891-6375
131 Raley Blvd
Chico, CA 95928
NPI: 1629082136
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 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. Wilhite's recorded volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2015 and stood at 30 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 30
Peak Volume 59 (2015)
Trend Declining

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

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

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Wilhite

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

Dr. Wilhite has performed 30 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. Wilhite ranks #373 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wilhite perform?

Dr. Wilhite's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases) and shoulder replacement (14 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wilhite in Chico?

Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Chico 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. Wilhite 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. Wilhite's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 30 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Wilhite's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2015 and was 30 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.

Does Dr. Wilhite perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Wilhite's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

How does Dr. Wilhite compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Chico?

Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Chico, Dr. Wilhite ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Chico has 99 verified Medicare procedures.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Chico, California

Dr. Wilhite's 30 Medicare procedures are below the Chico average of 45. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Chico.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Helmuth Jones 99 Hip, Knee
Dr. Sidney Jones 73 Hip, Knee
Dr. Taylor Konkin 46 Hip, Knee
Dr. Kirk Granlund 29 Knee
Dr. Phillip Jones 26 Knee
Dr. Meir Marmor 15 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. Charles Wilhite, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-charles-wilhite-chico.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-charles-wilhite-chico.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.