Dr. Healthy Desai, M.D.
Contact & Location
760-446-6404
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Dr. Desai performs more knee replacement procedures than 11% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #435 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Desai
Dr. Healthy Desai is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ridgecrest, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Desai performed 14 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #435 in California.
In California, Dr. Desai performs below the state average in knee (14 vs 47).
Dr. Desai's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 14 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.
Dr. Desai is the only orthopedic surgeon in Ridgecrest represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Desai's Medicare record spans 5 years from 2016 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 13 to 15 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Desai's 14 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,612 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 14 |
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. Desai Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Desai's procedure volume has been consistent across 5 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 15 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
Hospital Affiliations
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. Desai
How does Dr. Desai's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Desai has performed 14 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. Desai ranks #544 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Desai perform?
Dr. Desai's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Desai's practice located?
Dr. Desai practices in Ridgecrest, California. The office is located at 1041 N China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Desai for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Desai 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. Desai's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 60 procedures against the 14 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. Desai's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Desai's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 5 years of Medicare data, ranging from 13 to 15 procedures per year between 2016 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Desai affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Desai is affiliated with Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.
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.