Dr. Michael Purnell, M.D.
Contact & Location
209-524-4438
Modesto, CA 95355
Dr. Purnell performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 11% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #123 of 139 ranked shoulder surgeons in California.
About Dr. Purnell
Practice. Dr. Michael Purnell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Modesto, California. The latest annual CMS data records 13 shoulder replacements. That is #123 in California for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 47 in 2022 and stands at 13 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 13 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Modesto has 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Purnell also holds hospital privileges in AZ and CA, a practice that extends beyond California.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 37 | 0 |
| 2014 | 25 | 0 |
| 2015 | 27 | 11 |
| 2016 | 24 | 14 |
| 2017 | 24 | 19 |
| 2018 | 22 | 15 |
| 2019 | 29 | 14 |
| 2020 | 21 | 11 |
| 2021 | 20 | 12 |
| 2022 | 28 | 19 |
| 2023 | 16 | 11 |
| 2024 | 0 | 13 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Purnell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Purnell's recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2022 and stood at 13 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Purnell
How does Dr. Purnell's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Purnell has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Purnell ranks #570 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Purnell perform?
Dr. Purnell's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Purnell in Modesto?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Modesto 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. Purnell represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Purnell's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 40 procedures against the 13 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Purnell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Purnell's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2022 and was 13 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Purnell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Purnell is affiliated with Wickenburg Community Hospital, Doctors Medical Center, Oak Valley Hospital District. Dr. Purnell maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Purnell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Modesto?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Modesto, Dr. Purnell ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Modesto has 150 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Purnell practices?
Doctors Medical Center (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Oak Valley Hospital District (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 Modesto, California
Dr. Purnell's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Modesto average of 66. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Modesto.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathon Staples | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Whang | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wesley Kinzie | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jesua Law | 39 | Knee |
| Dr. William Pistel | 35 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Cash | 33 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Resources & Verification
Research reviews, verify credentials, and check official quality data through these trusted sources:
Medicare Care Compare and NPI Registry are official U.S. government sources. Google reviews reflect user-submitted feedback. OrthoProcedures.com does not verify the accuracy of third-party review content.