Dr. F. Craig Swenson, M.D.
Contact & Location
858-535-1075
La Jolla, CA 92037
About Dr. Swenson
Dr. F. Craig Swenson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Jolla, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Swenson performed 69 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#95 in California) and 35 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 104 procedures.
In California, Dr. Swenson performs above the state average in knee (69 vs 47), near the state average in hip (35 vs 41).
Dr. Swenson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (69 cases) and hip replacements (35 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 15 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 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2013 before settling at 104 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Swenson's 69 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 45 | 85 |
| 2014 | 56 | 67 |
| 2015 | 53 | 56 |
| 2016 | 60 | 67 |
| 2017 | 51 | 68 |
| 2018 | 45 | 63 |
| 2019 | 44 | 79 |
| 2020 | 37 | 43 |
| 2021 | 29 | 70 |
| 2022 | 40 | 46 |
| 2023 | 30 | 66 |
| 2024 | 35 | 69 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Swenson's recorded volume peaked at 130 procedures in 2013 and stood at 104 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 104 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Swenson ranks #107 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Swenson perform?
Dr. Swenson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (69 cases) and hip replacement (35 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Swenson in La Jolla?
Yes. There are 15 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 104 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 104 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 (69 cases), hip replacement (35 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 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla, Dr. Swenson ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in La Jolla has 232 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 104 Medicare procedures are below the La Jolla average of 160. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Jolla.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Bugbee | 232 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Copp | 211 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Wilde | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anna Kulidjian | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Weber | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kace Ezzet | 108 | 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.