Dr. William Bragg, M.D.
Contact & Location
916-733-5700
Sacramento, CA 95816
Dr. Bragg performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 46% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #74 of 139 ranked shoulder surgeons in California.
About Dr. Bragg
Practice. Dr. William Bragg is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sacramento, California. The latest annual CMS data records 23 shoulder replacements. That is #74 in California for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 8 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 23, up 109%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Sacramento has 28 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 23 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Bragg Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bragg's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 109% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 23 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:
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. Bragg
How does Dr. Bragg's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Bragg has performed 23 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. Bragg ranks #449 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bragg perform?
Dr. Bragg's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bragg in Sacramento?
Yes. There are 28 orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento 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. Bragg represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Bragg's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 80 procedures against the 23 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Bragg's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bragg's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 23 in the most recent data, a 109% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 23 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bragg affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bragg is affiliated with Mercy General Hospital, Methodist Hospital Of Sacramento.
How does Dr. Bragg compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento?
Among the 28 orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento, Dr. Bragg ranks #18 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Sacramento has 147 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bragg practices?
Mercy General Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Methodist Hospital Of Sacramento (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Sacramento, California
Dr. Bragg's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Sacramento average of 83. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sacramento.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephen Howell | 147 | Knee |
| Dr. John Meehan | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mauro Giordani | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Tai | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Taylor | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Hu | 64 | 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.