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Dr. Christopher Hamilton, MD

Dr. Christopher Hamilton, MD

Orthopedic Surgery*
35+ years of experience

Dr. Christopher Hamilton, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Bakersfield, CA and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Hamilton has extensive experience in Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgery. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine in 1988. He is affiliated with medical facilities Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

5 Star Rating
Based on 225 reviews 5 Star Rating (225 reviews)

Practice

5201 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, CA 93309
Telehealth available

Make an Appointment

Hospital Highlight

Dr. Hamilton is affiliated with Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Tehachapi, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Hamilton specializes in the areas of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Top Hospital
    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ See hospitals
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Dr. Hamilton's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Hamilton

5.0
225 ratings, 139 with a written review
5 star
98%
98%
4 star
1%
1%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
0%
0%
1 star
0%
0%

Your trust is our top concern.

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Dr. Hamilton explains things well and he makes sure you understand what is going to happen. He is very courteous and motivating. His staff is top drawer. All in his office are excellent communicators.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 10, 2025
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Knee replacement surgery
The daily messages that Dr. Hamilton sends through his GetWell Loop or SCOI website are one way of keeping on top of the various stages of pre- and post-surgery. Some of these reminders include: pick up medication prior to surgery, scheduling physical therapy, home exercises, and indications of a more serious medical condition (blood clots). I like having this checklist which included reminders of upcoming appointments.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 10, 2025
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Wonderful Doctor
I have been seeing Dr.Hamilton for at least 30 yrs beginning with my son who is now a grown man with his own family. The trust I have in Dr. Hamilton and SCOI is beyond measure. I will always choose Dr. Hamilton and SCOI for all orthopedic needs.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
PLarson – Apr 03, 2025
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Great Doctor and Staff
Very helpful and informative staff. Friendly, caring, prompt. Dr. Hamilton and his P.A. Andy rock!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Bobby – Apr 02, 2025
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Magical Experience
Surgery is not fun! Dr Hamilton and his team-work together as a safety net for the patient. His team is always compassionate and supportive they make you feel as if you are a favorite family member. Whatever you need, they are just a text away. This rotator cuff repair was made easier because of this wonderful healthcare team! Thanks
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Ronda Lanning – Mar 10, 2025
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Had my first visit with Andy, and it was great! Right to the point.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 06, 2025
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Professional Care
Dr. Hamilton was very professional but also very down to Earth and cordial. He listened to all my concerns and explained everything clearly. Definitely a positive experience.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Feb 04, 2025
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BEST OF THE BEST!!!
One of the primary requirements of a good physician, beyond their medical expertise, is their bedside manner, and their concern for not only their patient’s care but that of the patient’s family. Dr. Hamilton exemplifies excellent bedside manner which amplifies his expertise as a surgeon and medical professional.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jan 12, 2025
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Extremely recommend!
Very informative
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Dec 29, 2024
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Great doctor and staff
Dr Hamilton and his staff will assure you and your family everything will go well. I like the daily reminders to check in on the website as to what to look out for and exercises after your surgery. Other doctors just tell you everything at once and you tend to forgot. Tots great experience.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Sep 20, 2024
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Very nice, very informative
Dr. H is very nice. He explained what he was gonna do to shoulder. After surgery, he went thru each picture of my procedure & told me what he did.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lynn – Jul 16, 2024
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Very good at what he does
Dr. and staff are very friendly, knowledgeable, and are very attentive to the patients needs. I’ve had both rotator cuffs repaired, both have been successful.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Joe Thornton – Jun 15, 2024
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Second time through
Dr. Hamilton repaired my left rotator cuff maybe 8 years ago and when re-injured it I fought with my insurance to get in to him. The whole process from the time of the injury until surgery took 7 months. I was mentally prepared for this time to be very rough. It had relatively little pain, only used a constant ice machine and ibuprofen for the first 5 days post surgery. 2 weeks out and my shoulder feels more secure at this point than before my initial injury in October. Also this was so much less painful than what I was expecting compared to my previous 2 rotator cuff repairs and this procedure was a lot more extensive.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jayson – Jun 06, 2024
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Excellent care
Very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything. Very thorough in post surgery instructions and what I can and cannot do.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Bob Williams – May 30, 2024
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Surgery or Not?
Dr. Hamilton and his team listen and address all your concerns. They set up an action plan and give you options. They do not pressure you into decisions you aren't ready to make, but they make sure you have all the information you need to make decisions along the way. .
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 24, 2024
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Just What The Doctor Ordered
From the staff to Dr. Hamilton himself: Kind. Responsive. Competent. Thorough. Felt like a team approach from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Knee Scope – Apr 16, 2024
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Awesome physician
Dr. Hamilton explained my procedure and was amenable to answering related inquires regarding my procedure.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Gary Blakey – Apr 11, 2024
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Haven't done the surgery yet.
Christopher and Andrew were very polite and informative during pre surgery consultation.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
Helpful
Frank Curry – Apr 04, 2024
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Expert in what he does, he fully explained the disease process and treatment plan to his patients’ understanding. Very professional, cordial, respectful. Yes I would recommend him anytime.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Total knee replacement – Feb 02, 2024
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Fantastic Dr.! Full Knee Replacement
Dr. Hamilton doesn’t sugar coat things. He is straight forward. He told me what to expect. He explained ways I could make my recovery quicker and less painful, and he is extremely professional.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Brenda Kay Miller – Jan 05, 2024
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About Me

care philosophy

At the Southern California Orthopedic Institute, we are dedicated to providing the best possible care available for people of all ages and all walks of life. In addition, we serve as a leading educator of orthopedic surgery technique to surgeons around the world.
  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Sports Medicine

  • Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Kerlan-jobe Orthopaedic Clinic

    Fellowship Hospital, 1994
  • Yale U-yale New Haven Hospital|yale University

    Residency Hospital, 1993
  • Yale-new Haven Hospital

    Internship Hospital, 1989
  • University Of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School Of Medicine

    Medical School, 1988
  • Stanford University

    Undergraduate School, 1984
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery
American Board of Medical Specialties
Sports Medicine
Self designated 
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

Regents of the University of California5201 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, CA 93309
1
John L Etcheverry DPM Inc2400 Bahamas Dr Ste 200 Bakersfield, CA 93309
2
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Sat: closed
    • Sun: closed
  • Directions

Practice

Southern California Orthopedic Institute LP6815 Noble Ave Van Nuys, CA 91405
3
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm
    • Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
  • Directions

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley

    1100 Magellan Dr
    Tehachapi, CA 93561
    Recipient of 1
    hospital award

    Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ (2024)

    Top in the nation for overall patient experience based on nine measures related to doctor and nurse communication, hospital cleanliness and noise levels, and medication and post-discharge care instructions

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    92%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    86%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    4% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

    420 34th St
    Bakersfield, CA 93301
    Recipient of 2
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    83%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% lower than the national average

    74%
    Patients said that nurses always listened to them and explained things well

    1% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality