Dr. Robert Eppley, MD
Contact & Location
510-704-7760
Berkeley, CA 94705
About Dr. Eppley
Dr. Robert Eppley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Berkeley, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Eppley performed 26 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#60 in California) and 25 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 51 procedures.
In California, Dr. Eppley performs near the state average in shoulder (26 vs 31), below the state average in knee (25 vs 47).
Dr. Eppley's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (26 cases) and knee replacements (25 cases).
Berkeley is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Berkeley area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Eppley extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 29 to 51 in the most recent data, a 76% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Eppley's 26 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 12 | 17 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 14 | 14 |
| 2016 | 21 | 16 |
| 2017 | 16 | 24 |
| 2018 | 28 | 22 |
| 2019 | 28 | 18 |
| 2020 | 33 | 18 |
| 2021 | 32 | 26 |
| 2022 | 41 | 20 |
| 2023 | 36 | 20 |
| 2024 | 25 | 26 |
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. Eppley Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Eppley's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 76% from 29 procedures in 2013 to 51 in the most recent data.
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:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Eppley
How does Dr. Eppley's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Eppley has performed 51 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. Eppley ranks #267 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Eppley perform?
Dr. Eppley's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (26 cases) and knee replacement (25 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Eppley in Berkeley?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Berkeley 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. Eppley 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. Eppley's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 51 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Eppley's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Eppley's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 29 procedures in 2013 to 51 in the most recent data, a 76% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 61 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Eppley perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Eppley's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (26 cases), knee replacement (25 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Eppley affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Eppley is affiliated with Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Camp, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.
How does Dr. Eppley compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Berkeley?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Berkeley, Dr. Eppley ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Eppley is among the highest-volume surgeons in Berkeley.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Eppley practices?
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Camp (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Alta Bates Summit Medical Center (5 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 Berkeley, California
Dr. Eppley's 51 Medicare procedures are above the Berkeley average of 41. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Berkeley.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Chen | 86 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jerold Kaplan | 15 | Hip |
| Dr. Brad Zwahlen | 12 | 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.