Dr. Eli Kupperman, MD
Contact & Location
805-963-9377
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
About Dr. Kupperman
Dr. Eli Kupperman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Kupperman performed 24 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #68 in California.
In California, Dr. Kupperman performs below the state average in shoulder (24 vs 31).
Dr. Kupperman's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 24 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.
Santa Barbara is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Santa Barbara area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Kupperman extend back to 2020, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 24 in the most recent data, a 100% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Kupperman's 24 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 24 |
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. Kupperman Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kupperman's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 100% from 12 procedures in 2020 to 24 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.
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.
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. Kupperman
How does Dr. Kupperman's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Kupperman has performed 24 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. Kupperman ranks #441 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kupperman perform?
Dr. Kupperman's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 24 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kupperman in Santa Barbara?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara 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. Kupperman 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. Kupperman's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 24 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Kupperman's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Kupperman's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2020 to 24 in the most recent data, a 100% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 24 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kupperman affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kupperman is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
How does Dr. Kupperman compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Kupperman ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Santa Barbara has 226 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kupperman practices?
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (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 Santa Barbara, California
Dr. Kupperman's 24 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Barbara average of 135. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryan Emmerson | 226 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Gallivan | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Birch | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Graham Hurvitz | 164 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Zmolek | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Craviotto | 61 | Hip, 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.