Shoulder
Dr. Sean Gao
Dr. Sean Gao is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Diego, California. A Medicare provider since 2017, Dr. Gao has performed 13 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #99 in California.
In California, Dr. Gao performs below average in shoulder (13 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Gao'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.
San Diego is home to 26 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Diego area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Gao first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Gao's 13 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 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. Gao Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
San Diego, CA 92121
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
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.
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. Gao
How does Dr. Gao's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Gao has performed 13 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. Gao ranks #560 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gao perform?
Dr. Gao'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. Gao in San Diego?
Yes. There are 26 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego 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. Gao 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. Gao's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
How does Dr. Gao compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Diego?
Among the 26 orthopedic surgeons in San Diego, Dr. Gao ranks #24 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Diego has 227 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in San Diego, California
Dr. Gao's 13 Medicare procedures are below the San Diego average of 107. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Diego.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scott Ball | 227 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Francis Gonzales | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Fabi | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Nguyen | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daljeet Sagoo | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Allsing | 69 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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