Dr. Christopher Chen, MD
Contact & Location
510-647-1200
Berkeley, CA 94705
Dr. Chen performs more hip replacement procedures than 77% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #77 of 348 ranked hip surgeons in California.
About Dr. Chen
Dr. Christopher Chen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Berkeley, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Chen performed 53 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#77 in California) and 33 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 86 procedures.
In California, Dr. Chen performs above the state average in hip (53 vs 41), below the state average in knee (33 vs 47).
Dr. Chen's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (53 cases) and knee replacements (33 cases).
Berkeley is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Berkeley area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Chen's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 57 to 110 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 4,542 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Chen's 53 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 51 | 28 |
| 2014 | 39 | 39 |
| 2015 | 36 | 36 |
| 2016 | 53 | 25 |
| 2017 | 64 | 46 |
| 2018 | 52 | 33 |
| 2019 | 50 | 37 |
| 2020 | 30 | 27 |
| 2021 | 51 | 32 |
| 2022 | 69 | 39 |
| 2023 | 47 | 43 |
| 2024 | 53 | 33 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Chen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Chen's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 57 to 110 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Chen
How does Dr. Chen's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Chen has performed 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Chen ranks #143 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Chen perform?
Dr. Chen's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (53 cases) and knee replacement (33 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Chen in Berkeley?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Berkeley 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. Chen represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Chen's total volume across all insurers at roughly 280 to 360 procedures against the 86 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Chen's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Chen's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 57 to 110 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Chen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Chen's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (53 cases), knee replacement (33 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Chen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Chen is affiliated with Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Camp, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.
How does Dr. Chen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Berkeley?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Berkeley, Dr. Chen ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Chen has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Chen practices?
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Camp (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Alta Bates Summit Medical Center (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 Berkeley, California
Dr. Chen's 86 Medicare procedures are above the Berkeley average of 41. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Berkeley.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Eppley | 51 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jerold Kaplan | 15 | Hip |
| Dr. Brad Zwahlen | 12 | 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.