Dr. Colin Eakin, MD
Contact & Location
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dr. Colin Eakin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Palo Alto, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Eakin has performed 40 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #29 in California.
In California, Dr. Eakin performs above average in shoulder (40 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Eakin's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 40 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Palo Alto is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Palo Alto area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Eakin's Medicare data spans 10 years, beginning in 2015. Volume peaked at 71 procedures in 2023 before settling at 40 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Eakin's 40 verified procedures is above the national average of 29.
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. Eakin Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Eakin's recorded volume peaked at 71 procedures in 2023 and stood at 40 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 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.
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. Eakin
How does Dr. Eakin's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Eakin has performed 40 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. Eakin ranks #327 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Eakin perform?
Dr. Eakin's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 40 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Eakin in Palo Alto?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Palo Alto 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. Eakin 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. Eakin's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 40 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Eakin's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Eakin's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 71 procedures in 2023 and was 40 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Eakin affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Eakin is affiliated with Sequoia Hospital, Mills-Peninsula Medical Center.
How does Dr. Eakin compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Palo Alto?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Palo Alto, Dr. Eakin ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Eakin is among the highest-volume surgeons in Palo Alto.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Eakin practices?
Sequoia Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mills-Peninsula 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 Palo Alto, California
Dr. Eakin's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Palo Alto average of 103. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Palo Alto.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Hartford | 198 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Graw | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Lannin | 36 | 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.