Dr. Michael Purnell, MD
Contact & Location
Modesto, CA 95355
Dr. Michael Purnell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Modesto, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Purnell has performed 13 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #123 in California.
In California, Dr. Purnell performs below average in shoulder (13 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Purnell's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 13 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.
Modesto is home to 10 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 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 47 procedures in 2022 before settling at 13 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 13 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
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 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 13 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 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.