Dr. William Dunbar, M.D.
Dr. William Dunbar is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Dunbar has performed 30 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#41 in California) and 16 knee replacements, for a combined total of 46 procedures.
In California, Dr. Dunbar performs near average in shoulder (30 vs 30 avg), below average in knee (16 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Dunbar's reported Medicare volume is split between shoulder replacements (30 cases) and knee replacements (16 cases).
Santa Barbara is home to 12 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Dunbar extend back to 2013, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 13 to 46 in the most recent data, a 254% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Dunbar's 30 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Dunbar Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Contact & Location
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Dunbar's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 254% from 13 procedures in 2013 to 46 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 step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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.
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. Dunbar
How does Dr. Dunbar's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Dunbar has performed 46 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. Dunbar ranks #285 out of 608 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Dunbar perform?
Dr. Dunbar's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (30 cases) and knee replacement (16 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Dunbar in Santa Barbara?
Yes. There are 12 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. Dunbar 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. Dunbar's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 46 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Dunbar's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Dunbar's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 13 procedures in 2013 to 46 in the most recent data, a 254% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 46 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Dunbar perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Dunbar's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (30 cases), knee replacement (16 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Dunbar affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Dunbar is affiliated with Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
How does Dr. Dunbar compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Dunbar ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Santa Barbara has 216 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Dunbar 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. Dunbar's 46 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Barbara average of 139. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. William Gallivan | 216 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Birch | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Emmerson | 201 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Graham Hurvitz | 134 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Zmolek | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Craviotto | 63 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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