Dr. David So, M.D.
Contact & Location
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dr. David So is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Newport Beach, California. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. So has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#372 in California) and 13 hip replacements, for a combined total of 31 procedures.
In California, Dr. So performs below average in knee (18 vs 47 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 41 avg).
Dr. So's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (18 cases) and hip replacements (13 cases).
Newport Beach is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Newport Beach area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. So's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2016. Volume peaked at 88 procedures in 2021 before settling at 31 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. So's 18 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. So Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. So's recorded volume peaked at 88 procedures in 2021 and stood at 31 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. So
How does Dr. So's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. So has performed 31 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. So ranks #390 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. So perform?
Dr. So's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. So in Newport Beach?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Newport Beach 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. So 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. So's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 31 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. So's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. So's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 88 procedures in 2021 and was 31 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.
Does Dr. So perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. So's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. So affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. So is affiliated with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
How does Dr. So compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Newport Beach?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Newport Beach, Dr. So ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Newport Beach has 256 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. So practices?
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (5 out of 5 CMS stars); Hoag Orthopedic Institute (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 Newport Beach, California
Dr. So's 31 Medicare procedures are below the Newport Beach average of 114. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Newport Beach.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nader Nassif | 256 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Hunter | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Hafiz Kassam | 139 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Siljander | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Zachary Adler | 73 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Russell Petrie | 34 | Shoulder |
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.