Dr. F. Craig Swenson, M.D.
Dr. F. Craig Swenson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Jolla, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Swenson has performed 66 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#94 in California) and 30 hip replacements, for a combined total of 96 procedures.
In California, Dr. Swenson performs above average in knee (66 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (30 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Swenson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (66 cases) and hip replacements (30 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Swenson holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
La Jolla is home to 16 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the La Jolla area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Swenson's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2013 before settling at 96 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Swenson's 66 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Swenson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
La Jolla, CA 92037
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Swenson's recorded volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2013 and stood at 96 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.
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.
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 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. Swenson
How does Dr. Swenson's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Swenson has performed 96 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Swenson ranks #117 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Swenson perform?
Dr. Swenson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases) and hip replacement (30 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Swenson in La Jolla?
Yes. There are 16 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla 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. Swenson 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. Swenson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 96 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Swenson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Swenson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2013 and was 96 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. Swenson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Swenson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases), hip replacement (30 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Swenson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Swenson is affiliated with Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Green Hospital.
How does Dr. Swenson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla?
Among the 16 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla, Dr. Swenson ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in La Jolla has 193 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Swenson practices?
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Scripps Green Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in La Jolla, California
Dr. Swenson's 96 Medicare procedures are below the La Jolla average of 118. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Jolla.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Bugbee | 193 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Copp | 157 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Wilde | 111 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anna Kulidjian | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Horan | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kace Ezzet | 83 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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