Dr. Christopher Birch, M.D.
Contact & Location
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Dr. Christopher Birch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Birch has performed 88 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#63 in California) and 88 hip replacements, for a combined total of 176 procedures.
In California, Dr. Birch performs above average in knee (88 vs 47 avg), well above average in hip (88 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Birch's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (88 cases) and hip replacements (88 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. Birch extend back to 2019, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 116 to 176 in the most recent data, a 52% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Birch's 88 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Birch Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Birch's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 52% from 116 procedures in 2019 to 176 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Birch
How does Dr. Birch's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Birch has performed 176 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Birch ranks #52 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Birch perform?
Dr. Birch's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (88 cases) and hip replacement (88 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Birch 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. Birch 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. Birch's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 176 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Birch's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Birch's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 116 procedures in 2019 to 176 in the most recent data, a 52% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 214 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Birch perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Birch's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (88 cases), hip replacement (88 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Birch affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Birch is affiliated with Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, Lompoc Valley Medical Center, Marian Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Birch compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Birch ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Birch is among the highest-volume surgeons in Santa Barbara.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Birch 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. Birch's 176 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. Bryan Emmerson | 226 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Gallivan | 208 | 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.