Dr. Eric Bava, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
22 procedures 4 hospitals San Rafael, CA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026

Contact & Location

Phone: 415-925-8963
Practice phone listed in the NPI registry
4000 Civic Center Dr Ste 209
San Rafael, CA 94903
NPI: 1114144284
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
19 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps
Shoulder replacement recovery kit Slings, cold therapy, and adaptive clothing for recovery
National Comparison by Procedure
Shoulder 22 vs 29 avg (2,213 surgeons)

Dr. Eric Bava is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Rafael, California. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Bava has performed 22 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #75 in California.

In California, Dr. Bava performs below average in shoulder (22 vs 31 avg).

Dr. Bava's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 22 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.

Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Bava holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

Dr. Bava is the only orthopedic surgeon in San Rafael represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Dr. Bava's Medicare data spans 4 years, beginning in 2021. Volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2022 before settling at 22 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Bava's 22 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Shoulder Replacement
22 verified cases
#75 in California
Estimated total: 60 – 70 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Bava Compares

Procedure volume compared to the California state average.

Shoulder Below Avg
22 Avg: 31
Dr. Bava California Average

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Bava's recorded volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2022 and stood at 22 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 4
2024 Volume 22
Peak Volume 51 (2022)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Marinhealth Medical Center
4/5
Greenbrae, CA
Similar to national avg
H
Novato Community Hospital
5/5
Novato, CA
Similar to national avg
H
Sonoma Valley Hospital
1/5
Sonoma, CA
Low case volume
H
Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
2/5
Santa Rosa, CA
Similar to national avg

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:

Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:

Week 1-3 Arm in a sling for protection. Gentle pendulum exercises under therapist guidance. Focus on pain management and wound care.
Week 4-6 Gradual sling weaning. Begin passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercises. Light daily activities resume.
Week 7-12 Active range-of-motion exercises. Light strengthening begins. Most patients can drive and perform desk work.
Month 4-6 Progressive strengthening continues. Return to most activities. Full recovery may take 6-12 months for complete shoulder strength.

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. Bava

How does Dr. Bava's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?

Dr. Bava has performed 22 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. Bava ranks #457 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bava perform?

Dr. Bava's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 22 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Where is Dr. Bava's practice located?

Dr. Bava practices in San Rafael, California. The office is located at 4000 Civic Center Dr Ste 209, San Rafael, CA 94903. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Bava for joint replacement evaluation.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bava 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. Bava's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 22 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Bava's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Bava's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 51 procedures in 2022 and was 22 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. Bava affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bava is affiliated with Marinhealth Medical Center, Novato Community Hospital, Sonoma Valley Hospital, Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bava practices?

Marinhealth Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Novato Community Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sonoma Valley Hospital (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Eric Bava, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-eric-bava-san-rafael.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ca/dr-eric-bava-san-rafael.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.