Shoulder
Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD
Dr. Matthew Pifer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Pifer has performed 19 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #73 in California.
In California, Dr. Pifer performs below average in shoulder (19 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Pifer's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 19 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.
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. Pifer extend back to 2020, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 19 in the most recent data, a 46% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Pifer's 19 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Pifer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pifer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 46% from 13 procedures in 2020 to 19 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:
A 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.
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. Pifer
How does Dr. Pifer's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Pifer has performed 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 65 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Pifer ranks #470 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pifer perform?
Dr. Pifer's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pifer 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. Pifer 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. Pifer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 19 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Pifer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Pifer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2020 to 19 in the most recent data, a 46% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 21 procedures in 2022.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pifer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pifer is affiliated with Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.
How does Dr. Pifer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Pifer ranks #11 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. Pifer practices?
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Santa Barbara 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. Pifer's 19 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Barbara average of 135. 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. James Zmolek | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Craviotto | 63 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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