Dr. Christian Heywood, M.D.
Dr. Christian Heywood is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Capitola, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Heywood has completed 32 hip replacements (#143 in California), 28 knee replacements, and 22 shoulder replacements, totaling 82 Medicare-verified procedures.
In California, Dr. Heywood performs below average in hip (32 vs 41 avg), below average in knee (28 vs 45 avg), below average in shoulder (22 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Heywood performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is hip replacements (32 cases), followed by knee replacements (28) and shoulder replacements (22).
Capitola is home to 3 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 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 82 in the most recent data, a 486% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Heywood's 32 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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.
Contact & Location
Capitola, CA 95010
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Heywood's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 486% from 14 procedures in 2016 to 82 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.
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.
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. Heywood
How does Dr. Heywood's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Heywood has performed 82 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Heywood ranks #155 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Heywood perform?
Dr. Heywood performs all three major joint replacement procedures: hip replacement (32 cases), knee replacement (28 cases), shoulder replacement (22 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Heywood in Capitola?
Yes. There are 3 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 82 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 82 in the most recent data, a 486% increase over 8 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 hip replacement (32 cases), knee replacement (28 cases), shoulder replacement (22 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.
How does Dr. Heywood compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Capitola?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Capitola, Dr. Heywood ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Heywood is among the highest-volume surgeons in Capitola.
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 82 Medicare procedures are above the Capitola average of 63. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Capitola.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicholas Abidi | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Nuzzo | 20 | Hip |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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