Dr. William Dunbar, M.D.
Contact & Location
805-681-1761
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
About Dr. Dunbar
Dr. William Dunbar is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Dunbar performed 27 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #56 in California.
In California, Dr. Dunbar performs near the state average in shoulder (27 vs 31).
Dr. Dunbar's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 27 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
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. Dunbar's Medicare data spans 10 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2023 before settling at 27 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Dunbar's 27 verified procedures is near the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 0 |
| 2014 | 11 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 14 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 14 | 15 |
| 2019 | 11 | 15 |
| 2020 | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 | 0 | 14 |
| 2022 | 0 | 14 |
| 2023 | 16 | 30 |
| 2024 | 0 | 27 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Dunbar's recorded volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2023 and stood at 27 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 27 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. Dunbar ranks #415 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Dunbar perform?
Dr. Dunbar's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 27 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Dunbar 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. 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 27 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Dunbar's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Dunbar's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2023 and was 27 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
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 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Dunbar ranks #9 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. 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 27 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Barbara average of 135. 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.