Dr. William Pistel, D.O.
Contact & Location
Modesto, CA 95350
Dr. William Pistel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Modesto, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Pistel has performed 22 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#324 in California) and 13 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 35 procedures.
In California, Dr. Pistel performs below average in knee (22 vs 47 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Pistel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (22 cases) and shoulder replacements (13 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Pistel holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Modesto is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Modesto area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Pistel extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 20 to 35 in the most recent data, a 75% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Pistel's 22 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Pistel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Pistel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 75% from 20 procedures in 2013 to 35 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Pistel
How does Dr. Pistel's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Pistel has performed 35 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. Pistel ranks #363 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Pistel perform?
Dr. Pistel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases) and shoulder replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Pistel in Modesto?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Modesto 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. Pistel 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. Pistel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Pistel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Pistel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 20 procedures in 2013 to 35 in the most recent data, a 75% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 45 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Pistel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Pistel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Pistel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Pistel is affiliated with Doctors Medical Center, Doctors Hospital Of Manteca, Adventist Health Sonora.
How does Dr. Pistel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Modesto?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Modesto, Dr. Pistel ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Modesto has 150 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Pistel practices?
Doctors Medical Center (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Doctors Hospital Of Manteca (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Adventist Health Sonora (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 Modesto, California
Dr. Pistel's 35 Medicare procedures are below the Modesto average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Modesto.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jonathon Staples | 150 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Whang | 145 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wesley Kinzie | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jesua Law | 39 | Knee |
| Dr. Robert Cash | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. William Holmes | 26 | 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.