Dr. Christopher Birch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. In 2023, Dr. Birch performed 111 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#17 in California) and 103 knee replacements, for a combined total of 214 procedures.
With 214 total procedures, Dr. Birch ranks in the top 4% of orthopedic surgeons in California, where the average surgeon performs 66 Medicare-verified procedures per year. That is more than 3x the statewide average.
Dr. Birch's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (111 cases) and knee replacements (103 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.
Verified Medicare Cases (2023)
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-2024)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Birch
How does Dr. Birch's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
In 2023, Dr. Birch performed 214 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Birch ranks #27 out of 580 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Birch perform?
Dr. Birch's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (111 cases) and knee replacement (103 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Birch with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Birch ranks #17 in California for hip replacement with 111 Medicare-verified procedures in 2023. This high ranking among 580 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Birch 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. Birch represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data for 2023, 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 214 procedures shown here.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Santa Barbara, California
Compare Dr. Birch's volume with other surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Gallivan | 216 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Emmerson | 201 | 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 |
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