Dr. Christian Heywood, M.D.
Contact & Location
831-475-4024
Capitola, CA 95010
About Dr. Heywood
Dr. Christian Heywood is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Capitola, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Heywood completed 41 knee replacements (#185 in California), 20 hip replacements, and 14 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 75 Medicare-verified procedures.
In California, Dr. Heywood performs near the state average in knee (41 vs 47), below the state average in hip (20 vs 41), below the state average in shoulder (14 vs 31).
Dr. Heywood performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (41 cases), followed by hip replacements (20) and shoulder replacements (14).
Capitola is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Capitola area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Heywood extend back to 2016, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 75 in the most recent data, a 436% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Heywood's 41 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 19 | 0 |
| 2018 | 14 | 29 | 14 |
| 2019 | 12 | 22 | 17 |
| 2020 | 15 | 22 | 13 |
| 2021 | 20 | 14 | 11 |
| 2022 | 20 | 21 | 11 |
| 2023 | 32 | 28 | 22 |
| 2024 | 20 | 41 | 14 |
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. Heywood Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heywood's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 436% from 14 procedures in 2016 to 75 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Heywood
How does Dr. Heywood's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Heywood has performed 75 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Heywood ranks #177 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heywood perform?
Dr. Heywood performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (41 cases), hip replacement (20 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heywood in Capitola?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Capitola 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. Heywood 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. Heywood's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 75 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Heywood's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Heywood's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2016 to 75 in the most recent data, a 436% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 82 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Heywood perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Heywood's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases), hip replacement (20 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Heywood among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Heywood affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Heywood is affiliated with Dominican Hospital, Watsonville Community Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Heywood practices?
Dominican Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Watsonville Community Hospital (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Capitola, California
Dr. Heywood's 75 Medicare procedures are below the Capitola average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Capitola.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicholas Abidi | 79 | 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.