Dr. James Zmolek, M.D.
Dr. James Zmolek is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Zmolek has performed 74 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#73 in California) and 22 hip replacements, for a combined total of 96 procedures.
In California, Dr. Zmolek performs above average in knee (74 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (22 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Zmolek's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 77% of reported Medicare volume.
Santa Barbara is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Santa Barbara area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Zmolek extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 66 to 96 in the most recent data, a 45% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Zmolek's 74 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. Zmolek Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Zmolek's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 45% from 66 procedures in 2013 to 96 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Zmolek
How does Dr. Zmolek's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Zmolek has performed 96 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Zmolek ranks #119 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Zmolek perform?
Dr. Zmolek's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (74 cases) and hip replacement (22 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Zmolek in Santa Barbara?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara 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. Zmolek 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. Zmolek's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 96 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Zmolek's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Zmolek's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 66 procedures in 2013 to 96 in the most recent data, a 45% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 96 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Zmolek perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Zmolek's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (74 cases), hip replacement (22 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Zmolek affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Zmolek is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital.
How does Dr. Zmolek compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Zmolek ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Santa Barbara has 216 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Zmolek practices?
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (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 Santa Barbara, California
Dr. Zmolek's 96 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Barbara average of 139. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Gallivan | 216 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Birch | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Emmerson | 201 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Graham Hurvitz | 134 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Daniel Craviotto | 63 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. William Dunbar | 46 | Knee, Shoulder |
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