Dr. Daniel Laster, MD
Dr. Daniel Laster is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pasadena, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Laster has performed 24 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#189 in California) and 22 knee replacements, for a combined total of 46 procedures.
In California, Dr. Laster performs below average in hip (24 vs 41 avg), below average in knee (22 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Laster's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (24 cases) and knee replacements (22 cases).
Pasadena is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pasadena area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Laster extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 39 to 46 in the most recent data, a 18% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Laster's 24 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Laster Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Pasadena, CA 91107
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Laster's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 18% from 39 procedures in 2013 to 46 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 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Laster
How does Dr. Laster's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Laster has performed 46 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Laster ranks #281 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Laster perform?
Dr. Laster's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (24 cases) and knee replacement (22 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Laster in Pasadena?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena 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. Laster 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. Laster's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 46 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Laster's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Laster's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 39 procedures in 2013 to 46 in the most recent data, a 18% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 69 procedures in 2016.
Does Dr. Laster perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Laster's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (24 cases), knee replacement (22 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Laster affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Laster is affiliated with Huntington Hospital, Casa Colina Hospital.
How does Dr. Laster compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena, Dr. Laster ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pasadena has 286 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Laster practices?
Huntington Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Casa Colina Hospital (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 Pasadena, California
Dr. Laster's 46 Medicare procedures are below the Pasadena average of 100. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pasadena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Dietrick | 286 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Micah Berry | 103 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James O'dowd | 101 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Itamura | 77 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Jackson | 59 | Hip |
| Dr. James Shankwiler | 28 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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