Dr. Francis Gonzales, MD
Contact & Location
San Diego, CA 92103
Dr. Francis Gonzales is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Diego, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Gonzales has performed 80 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#78 in California) and 75 hip replacements, for a combined total of 155 procedures.
In California, Dr. Gonzales performs above average in knee (80 vs 47 avg), above average in hip (75 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Gonzales's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (80 cases) and hip replacements (75 cases).
San Diego is home to 31 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Diego area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Gonzales extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 59 to 155 in the most recent data, a 163% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gonzales's 80 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Gonzales Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gonzales's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 163% from 59 procedures in 2013 to 155 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Gonzales
How does Dr. Gonzales's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Gonzales has performed 155 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gonzales ranks #66 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gonzales perform?
Dr. Gonzales's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (80 cases) and hip replacement (75 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gonzales in San Diego?
Yes. There are 31 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego 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. Gonzales 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. Gonzales's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 155 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Gonzales's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gonzales's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 59 procedures in 2013 to 155 in the most recent data, a 163% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 161 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Gonzales perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gonzales's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (80 cases), hip replacement (75 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gonzales affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gonzales is affiliated with Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr.
How does Dr. Gonzales compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Diego?
Among the 31 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego, Dr. Gonzales ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Gonzales is among the highest-volume surgeons in San Diego.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gonzales practices?
Uc San Diego Health Hillcrest - Hillcrest Med Ctr (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 San Diego, California
Dr. Gonzales's 155 Medicare procedures are above the San Diego average of 121. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Diego.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scott Ball | 253 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ameer Elbuluk | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Nguyen | 93 | Knee |
| Dr. Daljeet Sagoo | 88 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fabi | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Jankiewicz | 71 | 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.