Dr. Philip Merritt, M.D.
Contact & Location
818-246-8974
Glendale, CA 91206
About Dr. Merritt
Dr. Philip Merritt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Glendale, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Merritt performed 41 Medicare-verified hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #110 in California.
In California, Dr. Merritt performs near the state average in hip (41 vs 41).
Dr. Merritt's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 41 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.
Glendale is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Glendale area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Merritt's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 106 procedures in 2013 before settling at 41 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Merritt's 41 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 49 | 57 |
| 2014 | 36 | 52 |
| 2015 | 47 | 35 |
| 2016 | 50 | 25 |
| 2017 | 39 | 13 |
| 2018 | 32 | 0 |
| 2019 | 46 | 0 |
| 2020 | 30 | 0 |
| 2021 | 32 | 0 |
| 2022 | 37 | 0 |
| 2023 | 38 | 0 |
| 2024 | 41 | 0 |
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. Merritt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Merritt's recorded volume peaked at 106 procedures in 2013 and stood at 41 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Merritt
How does Dr. Merritt's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Merritt has performed 41 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. Merritt ranks #315 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Merritt perform?
Dr. Merritt's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 41 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Merritt in Glendale?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Glendale 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. Merritt 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. Merritt's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 41 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Merritt's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Merritt's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 106 procedures in 2013 and was 41 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. Merritt affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Merritt is affiliated with Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
How does Dr. Merritt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Glendale?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Glendale, Dr. Merritt ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Glendale has 72 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Merritt practices?
Glendale Adventist Medical Center (4 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 Glendale, California
Dr. Merritt's 41 Medicare procedures are above the Glendale average of 38. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Glendale.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Vahan Cepkinian | 72 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Owens | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Abdulian | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sooren Karayan | 24 | Knee |
| Dr. Loren Geller | 15 | Knee |
| Dr. Sevag Bastian | 13 | Shoulder |
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.