Dr. Michael Purnell, MD
Dr. Michael Purnell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Modesto, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Purnell has performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#406 in California) and 11 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 27 procedures.
In California, Dr. Purnell performs below average in knee (16 vs 45 avg), below average in shoulder (11 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Purnell's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (16 cases) and shoulder replacements (11 cases).
Modesto is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Modesto area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Purnell also maintains hospital privileges in AZ and CA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond California.
Dr. Purnell's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2022 before settling at 27 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Purnell's 16 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 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. Purnell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Modesto, CA 95355
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Purnell's recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2022 and stood at 27 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 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.
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.
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. Purnell
How does Dr. Purnell's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Purnell has performed 27 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. Purnell ranks #392 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Purnell perform?
Dr. Purnell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases) and shoulder replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Purnell in Modesto?
Yes. There are 11 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 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. Purnell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 27 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Purnell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Purnell's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2022 and was 27 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.
Does Dr. Purnell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Purnell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 11 orthopedic surgeons in Modesto, Dr. Purnell ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Modesto has 136 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 27 Medicare procedures are below the Modesto average of 65. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Modesto.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Whang | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathon Staples | 128 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wesley Kinzie | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jesua Law | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Pistel | 45 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. William Holmes | 26 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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