Shoulder
Dr. Michael Michlitsch, M.D.
Dr. Michael Michlitsch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Walnut Creek, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Michlitsch has performed 15 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #89 in California.
In California, Dr. Michlitsch performs below average in shoulder (15 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Michlitsch's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 15 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.
Walnut Creek is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Walnut Creek area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Michlitsch first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Michlitsch's 15 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. Michlitsch Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Michlitsch
How does Dr. Michlitsch's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Michlitsch has performed 15 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. Michlitsch ranks #530 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Michlitsch perform?
Dr. Michlitsch's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Michlitsch in Walnut Creek?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Walnut Creek 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. Michlitsch 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. Michlitsch's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Michlitsch affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Michlitsch is affiliated with San Ramon Regional Medical Center, John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus.
How does Dr. Michlitsch compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Walnut Creek?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Walnut Creek, Dr. Michlitsch ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Walnut Creek has 238 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Michlitsch practices?
San Ramon Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus (3 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 Walnut Creek, California
Dr. Michlitsch's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Walnut Creek average of 97. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Walnut Creek.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Louay Toma | 238 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wendy Wong | 169 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Kronick | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Griffiths | 90 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Wiseman | 59 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. William Workman | 15 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
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