Dr. Christopher Hamilton, M.D.
Contact & Location
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Dr. Christopher Hamilton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bakersfield, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hamilton has performed 17 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#92 in California) and 15 knee replacements, for a combined total of 32 procedures.
In California, Dr. Hamilton performs below average in shoulder (17 vs 31 avg), below average in knee (15 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Hamilton's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (17 cases) and knee replacements (15 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Hamilton holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine and Foot and Ankle Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Bakersfield is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bakersfield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hamilton extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 25 to 32 in the most recent data, a 28% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hamilton's 17 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Hamilton Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hamilton's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 28% from 25 procedures in 2013 to 32 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Hamilton
How does Dr. Hamilton's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Hamilton has performed 32 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Hamilton ranks #387 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hamilton perform?
Dr. Hamilton's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (17 cases) and knee replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hamilton in Bakersfield?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bakersfield 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. Hamilton 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. Hamilton's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 32 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hamilton's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hamilton's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 25 procedures in 2013 to 32 in the most recent data, a 28% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 35 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Hamilton perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hamilton's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (17 cases), knee replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hamilton affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hamilton is affiliated with Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Adventist Health Bakersfield.
How does Dr. Hamilton compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bakersfield?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bakersfield, Dr. Hamilton ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bakersfield has 265 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hamilton practices?
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Adventist Health Bakersfield (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 Bakersfield, California
Dr. Hamilton's 32 Medicare procedures are below the Bakersfield average of 102. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bakersfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Fadi Saied | 265 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Karl Balch | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Galan | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alfred Coppola | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Karan Srivastava | 57 | 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.