Dr. Todd Christensen, MD
Contact & Location
530-477-4480
Grass Valley, CA 95945
About Dr. Christensen
Dr. Todd Christensen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Grass Valley, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Christensen performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#309 in California) and 13 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 37 procedures.
In California, Dr. Christensen performs below the state average in knee (24 vs 47), below the state average in hip (13 vs 41).
Dr. Christensen's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (24 cases) and hip replacements (13 cases).
Dr. Christensen is the only orthopedic surgeon in Grass Valley represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Medicare records for Dr. Christensen extend back to 2013, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 37 in the most recent data, a 236% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Christensen's 24 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 11 |
| 2014 | 0 | 14 |
| 2015 | 0 | 12 |
| 2016 | 0 | 16 |
| 2017 | 0 | 16 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 15 |
| 2021 | 16 | 24 |
| 2022 | 16 | 26 |
| 2023 | 11 | 35 |
| 2024 | 13 | 24 |
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. Christensen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Christensen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 236% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 37 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 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Christensen
How does Dr. Christensen's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Christensen has performed 37 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. Christensen ranks #347 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Christensen perform?
Dr. Christensen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
Where is Dr. Christensen's practice located?
Dr. Christensen practices in Grass Valley, California. The office is located at 280 Sierra College Dr Ste 105, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Christensen for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Christensen 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. Christensen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 37 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Christensen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Christensen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 37 in the most recent data, a 236% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 46 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Christensen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Christensen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Christensen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Christensen is affiliated with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Christensen practices?
Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate above national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
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.