Dr. Christopher Meckel, M.D.
Contact & Location
831-648-7200
Monterey, CA 93940
Dr. Meckel performs more knee replacement procedures than 85% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #71 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Meckel
Practice. Dr. Christopher Meckel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Monterey, California. The latest annual CMS data records 84 knee replacements and 73 hip replacements, 157 procedures in all. That is #71 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 125 and 166 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 84 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Monterey has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 71 | 70 |
| 2014 | 64 | 82 |
| 2015 | 83 | 74 |
| 2016 | 79 | 71 |
| 2017 | 66 | 80 |
| 2018 | 54 | 72 |
| 2019 | 81 | 73 |
| 2020 | 66 | 59 |
| 2021 | 89 | 77 |
| 2022 | 66 | 97 |
| 2023 | 79 | 69 |
| 2024 | 73 | 84 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Meckel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Meckel's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 125 to 166 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 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Meckel
How does Dr. Meckel's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Meckel has performed 157 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Meckel ranks #63 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Meckel perform?
Dr. Meckel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (84 cases) and hip replacement (73 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Meckel in Monterey?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Monterey 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. Meckel 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Meckel's total volume across all insurers at roughly 520 to 660 procedures against the 157 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. Meckel's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Meckel's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 125 to 166 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Meckel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Meckel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (84 cases), hip replacement (73 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Meckel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Meckel is affiliated with Community Hospital Of The Monterey Peninsula, Salinas Valley Health Medical Center.
How does Dr. Meckel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Monterey?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Monterey, Dr. Meckel ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Meckel is among the highest-volume surgeons in Monterey.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Meckel practices?
Community Hospital Of The Monterey Peninsula (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Salinas Valley Health Medical Center (4 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 Monterey, California
Dr. Meckel's 157 Medicare procedures are above the Monterey average of 109. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Monterey.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Pitta | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samera Kasim | 88 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Kantor | 14 | 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.