Dr. Steven Hollstien, M.D.
Contact & Location
805-967-9311
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
About Dr. Hollstien
Dr. Steven Hollstien is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Hollstien performed 26 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#288 in California) and 18 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 44 procedures.
In California, Dr. Hollstien performs below the state average in knee (26 vs 47), below the state average in hip (18 vs 41).
Dr. Hollstien's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (26 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Santa Barbara is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Santa Barbara area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Hollstien's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 42 to 62 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Hollstien's 26 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 24 | 22 | 0 |
| 2014 | 26 | 24 | 0 |
| 2015 | 28 | 15 | 0 |
| 2016 | 26 | 16 | 0 |
| 2017 | 26 | 19 | 13 |
| 2018 | 23 | 27 | 11 |
| 2019 | 24 | 35 | 0 |
| 2020 | 19 | 24 | 18 |
| 2021 | 18 | 19 | 14 |
| 2022 | 23 | 28 | 11 |
| 2023 | 12 | 22 | 11 |
| 2024 | 18 | 26 | 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. Hollstien Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hollstien's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 42 to 62 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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Hollstien
How does Dr. Hollstien's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Hollstien has performed 44 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. Hollstien ranks #301 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hollstien perform?
Dr. Hollstien's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hollstien in Santa Barbara?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara 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. Hollstien 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. Hollstien's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 44 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hollstien's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hollstien's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 42 to 62 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Hollstien perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hollstien's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (26 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hollstien affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hollstien is affiliated with Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
How does Dr. Hollstien compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Hollstien ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Santa Barbara has 226 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hollstien practices?
Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (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 Santa Barbara, California
Dr. Hollstien's 44 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Barbara average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryan Emmerson | 226 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Gallivan | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Birch | 176 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Graham Hurvitz | 164 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Zmolek | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Craviotto | 61 | 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.