Dr. David Starch, M.D.
Contact & Location
830-625-3481
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Dr. Starch performs more knee replacement procedures than 57% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #206 of 489 ranked knee surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Starch
Practice. Dr. David Starch is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in New Braunfels, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 35 knee replacements. That is #206 in Texas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 57 in 2022 and stands at 35 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 35 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. New Braunfels has 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 42 |
| 2014 | 39 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 50 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 46 |
| 2021 | 42 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 35 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Starch Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Starch's recorded volume peaked at 57 procedures in 2022 and stood at 35 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 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. Starch
How does Dr. Starch's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Starch has performed 35 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Starch ranks #331 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Starch perform?
Dr. Starch's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 35 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Starch in New Braunfels?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in New Braunfels 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Starch represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Starch's total volume across all insurers at roughly 130 to 150 procedures against the 35 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Starch's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Starch's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 57 procedures in 2022 and was 35 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. Starch affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Starch is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, Children'S Hospital Of San Antonio, Baptist Medical Center.
How does Dr. Starch compare to other orthopedic surgeons in New Braunfels?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in New Braunfels, Dr. Starch ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in New Braunfels has 130 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Starch practices?
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (2 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 New Braunfels, Texas
Dr. Starch's 35 Medicare procedures are below the New Braunfels average of 74. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in New Braunfels.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Creighton Tubb | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Templin | 73 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Trent Twitero | 71 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Vrana | 63 | 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.