Dr. Evelyn Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
805-542-9678
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Lincoln City, OR 97367
Dr. Smith performs more knee replacement procedures than 27% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #357 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Smith
Practice. Dr. Evelyn Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Luis Obispo, California. The latest annual CMS data records 19 knee replacements. That is #357 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2019 to 2024, 3 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 19, up 73%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 19 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. San Luis Obispo has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Smith also holds hospital privileges in CA and OR, a practice that extends beyond California.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 19 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 73% from 11 procedures in 2019 to 19 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 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Smith
How does Dr. Smith's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 19 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. Smith ranks #475 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in San Luis Obispo?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in San Luis Obispo 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. Smith represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Smith's total volume across all insurers at roughly 70 to 80 procedures against the 19 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2019 to 19 in the most recent data, a 73% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 19 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smith affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Sutter Amador Hospital, Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. Dr. Smith maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Luis Obispo?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in San Luis Obispo, Dr. Smith ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Luis Obispo has 216 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smith practices?
Sutter Amador Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento (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 San Luis Obispo, California
Dr. Smith's 19 Medicare procedures are below the San Luis Obispo average of 84. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Luis Obispo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dimitri Delagrammaticas | 216 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Devine | 54 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Otto Schueckler | 45 | Knee, 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.