Dr. Christopher Lee, M.D., M.B.A
Contact & Location
818-848-3030
Burbank, CA 91505
Dr. Lee performs more knee replacement procedures than 36% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #312 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Lee
Dr. Christopher Lee is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Burbank, California. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Lee performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#312 in California) and 12 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 35 procedures.
In California, Dr. Lee performs below the state average in knee (23 vs 47), below the state average in shoulder (12 vs 31).
Dr. Lee's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (23 cases) and shoulder replacements (12 cases).
Burbank is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Burbank area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Lee extend back to 2016, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 35 in the most recent data, a 218% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Lee's 23 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,612 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 11 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 11 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 0 |
| 2023 | 11 | 0 |
| 2024 | 23 | 12 |
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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Lee Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lee's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 218% from 11 procedures in 2016 to 35 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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Lee
How does Dr. Lee's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Lee has performed 35 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. Lee ranks #362 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lee perform?
Dr. Lee's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and shoulder replacement (12 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lee in Burbank?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Burbank 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. Lee 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Lee's total volume across all insurers at roughly 110 to 140 procedures against the 35 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. Lee's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lee's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2016 to 35 in the most recent data, a 218% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 35 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Lee perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lee's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lee affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lee is affiliated with Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Ctr.
How does Dr. Lee compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Burbank?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Burbank, Dr. Lee ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Lee is among the highest-volume surgeons in Burbank.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lee practices?
Glendale Adventist Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Providence Saint Joseph Medical Ctr (3 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 Burbank, California
Dr. Lee's 35 Medicare procedures are below the Burbank average of 59. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Burbank.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Shahan Yacoubian | 173 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephan Yacoubian | 39 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Eli Ahdoot | 29 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Driscoll | 17 | Hip |
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.