Dr. Kevin Howe, M.D.
Dr. Kevin Howe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Rosa, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Howe has performed 139 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#22 in California) and 61 hip replacements, for a combined total of 200 procedures.
In California, Dr. Howe performs well above average in knee (139 vs 45 avg), above average in hip (61 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Howe's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (139 cases) and hip replacements (61 cases).
Santa Rosa is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Santa Rosa area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Howe extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 137 to 200 in the most recent data, a 46% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Howe's 139 verified procedures is more than 3x 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. Howe Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howe's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 46% from 137 procedures in 2013 to 200 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Howe
How does Dr. Howe's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Howe has performed 200 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Howe ranks #33 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Howe perform?
Dr. Howe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (139 cases) and hip replacement (61 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Howe in Santa Rosa?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Rosa 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. Howe 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. Howe's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 200 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Howe's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Howe's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 137 procedures in 2013 to 200 in the most recent data, a 46% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 200 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Howe perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Howe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (139 cases), hip replacement (61 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Howe affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Howe is affiliated with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Adventist Health Ukiah Valley, Healdsburg Hospital.
How does Dr. Howe compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Rosa?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Rosa, Dr. Howe ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Howe has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Howe practices?
Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Adventist Health Ukiah Valley (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Santa Rosa, California
Dr. Howe's 200 Medicare procedures are above the Santa Rosa average of 90. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Rosa.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Briant Smith | 112 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Mulvihill | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Stein | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Smith | 58 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kent Yinger | 54 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Neema Pourtaheri | 25 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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