Dr. David Bethune, M.D.
Contact & Location
209-957-7050
Stockton, CA 95209
About Dr. Bethune
Dr. David Bethune is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Stockton, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Bethune performed 62 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #15 in California.
In California, Dr. Bethune performs well above the state average in shoulder (62 vs 31).
Dr. Bethune's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 62 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.
Stockton is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Stockton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Bethune extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 62 in the most recent data, a 226% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bethune's 62 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 29, ranking #165 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 33 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2024 | 62 |
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. Bethune Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bethune's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 226% from 19 procedures in 2013 to 62 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 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Bethune
How does Dr. Bethune's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Bethune has performed 62 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bethune ranks #227 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bethune perform?
Dr. Bethune's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 62 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Bethune with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Bethune ranks #15 in California for shoulder replacement with 62 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 613 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bethune in Stockton?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Stockton 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. Bethune 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. Bethune's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 62 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bethune's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bethune's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2013 to 62 in the most recent data, a 226% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 62 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bethune affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bethune is affiliated with Memorial Medical Center, Sutter Tracy Community Hospital.
How does Dr. Bethune compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Stockton?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Stockton, Dr. Bethune ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bethune is among the highest-volume surgeons in Stockton.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bethune practices?
Memorial Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sutter Tracy Community Hospital (4 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 Stockton, California
Dr. Bethune's 62 Medicare procedures are below the Stockton average of 65. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Stockton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kevin Mikaelian | 116 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jaspreet Sidhu | 92 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jaicharan Iyengar | 44 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Alan Kawaguchi | 11 | 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.