Dr. William Gallivan, M.D.
Contact & Location
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Dr. William Gallivan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Barbara, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Gallivan has performed 157 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#18 in California) and 51 hip replacements, for a combined total of 208 procedures.
In California, Dr. Gallivan performs well above average in knee (157 vs 47 avg), above average in hip (51 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Gallivan's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 75% of reported Medicare volume.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Gallivan holds additional credentials in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
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.
Medicare records for Dr. Gallivan extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 104 to 208 in the most recent data, a 100% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Gallivan's 157 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #149 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. Gallivan Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gallivan's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 100% from 104 procedures in 2013 to 208 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Gallivan
How does Dr. Gallivan's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Gallivan has performed 208 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gallivan ranks #32 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gallivan perform?
Dr. Gallivan's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (157 cases) and hip replacement (51 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Gallivan with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Gallivan ranks #18 in California for knee replacement with 157 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 613 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gallivan 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. Gallivan 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. Gallivan's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 208 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Gallivan's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gallivan's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 104 procedures in 2013 to 208 in the most recent data, a 100% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 216 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Gallivan perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gallivan's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (157 cases), hip replacement (51 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gallivan affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gallivan is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital.
How does Dr. Gallivan compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Barbara, Dr. Gallivan ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Gallivan is among the highest-volume surgeons in Santa Barbara.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gallivan practices?
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Goleta Valley 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. Gallivan's 208 Medicare procedures are above the Santa Barbara average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Barbara.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bryan Emmerson | 226 | 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 |
| Dr. Steven Hollstien | 44 | 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.