Dr. Christopher Meckel, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Meckel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Monterey, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Meckel has performed 79 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#34 in California) and 69 knee replacements, for a combined total of 148 procedures.
In California, Dr. Meckel performs above average in hip (79 vs 41 avg), above average in knee (69 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Meckel's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (79 cases) and knee replacements (69 cases).
Monterey is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Monterey area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Meckel's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 125 to 166 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Meckel's 79 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 36.
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. Meckel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Monterey, CA 93940
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Meckel's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 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 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.
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.
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. Meckel
How does Dr. Meckel's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Meckel has performed 148 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Meckel ranks #55 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Meckel perform?
Dr. Meckel's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (79 cases) and knee replacement (69 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 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. Meckel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 148 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Meckel's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Meckel's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 125 to 166 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. 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 hip replacement (79 cases), knee replacement (69 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.
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). 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 148 Medicare procedures are above the Monterey average of 108. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Monterey.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Pitta | 180 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samera Kasim | 91 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Kantor | 12 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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