Dr. William Bugbee, M.D.
Contact & Location
La Jolla, CA 92037
Dr. William Bugbee is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Jolla, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Bugbee has performed 148 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#20 in California) and 84 hip replacements, for a combined total of 232 procedures.
In California, Dr. Bugbee performs well above average in knee (148 vs 47 avg), well above average in hip (84 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Bugbee's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (148 cases) and hip replacements (84 cases).
La Jolla is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the La Jolla area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Bugbee extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 115 to 232 in the most recent data, a 102% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bugbee's 148 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #183 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Bugbee Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bugbee's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 102% from 115 procedures in 2013 to 232 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Bugbee
How does Dr. Bugbee's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Bugbee has performed 232 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bugbee ranks #22 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bugbee perform?
Dr. Bugbee's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (148 cases) and hip replacement (84 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Bugbee with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Bugbee ranks #20 in California for knee replacement with 148 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 613 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bugbee in La Jolla?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla 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. Bugbee 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. Bugbee's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 232 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bugbee's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bugbee's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 115 procedures in 2013 to 232 in the most recent data, a 102% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 232 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Bugbee perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bugbee's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (148 cases), hip replacement (84 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bugbee affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bugbee is affiliated with Scripps Green Hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital - Encinitas.
How does Dr. Bugbee compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in La Jolla, Dr. Bugbee ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bugbee has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bugbee practices?
Scripps Green Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average); Scripps Memorial Hospital - Encinitas (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 La Jolla, California
Dr. Bugbee's 232 Medicare procedures are above the La Jolla average of 160. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Jolla.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Copp | 211 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Wilde | 170 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Anna Kulidjian | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Weber | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kace Ezzet | 108 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. F. Craig Swenson | 104 | 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.