Shoulder
Dr. John Itamura, MD
Dr. John Itamura is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pasadena, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Itamura has performed 77 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #9 in California.
In California, Dr. Itamura performs well above average in shoulder (77 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Itamura's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 77 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.
Pasadena is home to 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pasadena area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Itamura extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 45 to 77 in the most recent data, a 71% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Itamura's 77 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 28, ranking #83 nationally.
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. Itamura Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Pasadena, CA 91101
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Itamura's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 71% from 45 procedures in 2013 to 77 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Itamura
How does Dr. Itamura's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Itamura has performed 77 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Itamura ranks #167 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Itamura perform?
Dr. Itamura's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 77 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Itamura with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Itamura ranks #9 in California for shoulder replacement with 77 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 608 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Itamura in Pasadena?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena 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. Itamura 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. Itamura's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 77 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Itamura's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Itamura's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 45 procedures in 2013 to 77 in the most recent data, a 71% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 77 procedures in 2021.
Which hospitals is Dr. Itamura affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Itamura is affiliated with Huntington Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
How does Dr. Itamura compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Pasadena, Dr. Itamura ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Pasadena has 286 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Itamura practices?
Huntington Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Glendale Adventist Medical Center (4 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 Pasadena, California
Dr. Itamura's 77 Medicare procedures are below the Pasadena average of 100. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pasadena.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Todd Dietrick | 286 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Micah Berry | 103 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James O'dowd | 101 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Jackson | 59 | Hip |
| Dr. Daniel Laster | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Shankwiler | 28 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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