Knee
Dr. Paul Castello, M.D.
Dr. Paul Castello is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Maria, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Castello has performed 34 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #218 in California.
In California, Dr. Castello performs below average in knee (34 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Castello's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 34 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 Maria is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Santa Maria area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Castello's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 16 to 49 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Castello's 34 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. Castello Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Castello's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 49 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Castello
How does Dr. Castello's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Castello has performed 34 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. Castello ranks #345 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Castello perform?
Dr. Castello's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 34 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Castello in Santa Maria?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Maria 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. Castello 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. Castello's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Castello's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Castello's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 16 to 49 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Castello affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Castello is affiliated with Marian Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Castello compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Maria?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Maria, Dr. Castello ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Castello is among the highest-volume surgeons in Santa Maria.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Castello practices?
Marian Regional Medical Center (2 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 Maria, California
Dr. Castello's 34 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Maria average of 38. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Maria.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dennis Blackburn | 76 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jeffrey Spoo | 23 | Knee |
| Dr. James Kasper | 19 | 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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