Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD is an orthopedic shoulder & elbow surgery specialist in Santa Barbara, CA and has over 14 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV SCH OF MED in 2008. He is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. His office accepts new patients and telehealth appointments.
Orthopedic Surgical Practice
5333 Hollister Ave Ste 150 Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Ankle Sprain and Achilles Tendon Sprain or Rupture
Ankle Sprains and Strains
Antalgic Gait
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
Arthritis
Arthritis of the Ankle
Arthritis of the Elbow
Arthritis of the Finger
Arthritis of the Foot
Arthritis of the Hand
Arthritis of the Midfoot
Arthritis of the Shoulder
Arthritis of the Spine
Arthritis of the Wrist
Avulsion Fracture
Bicep Injuries
Bicep Muscle Strain
Biceps Tendinitis
Bone Disorders
Brachial Neuritis
Broken Arm
Broken Neck
Broken Shoulder Blade
Bursitis
Carpal Fractures
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cartilage Damage
Cartilage Degeneration
Cartilage Disorders
Cartilage Tear
Chronic Joint Pain
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Clavicle Fracture
Colles' Fracture
Complex Fractures
Complex Long-Bone Fracture
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Complications of Joint Prosthesis
Compound Fracture
Compression Fracture
De Quervain's Disease
Difficulty With Walking
Distal Radius Fracture
Elbow Bursitis
Elbow Fracture
Elbow Injuries
Enthesopathy
Enthesopathy of Hip (incl. Trochanteric Bursitis)
Enthesopathy of Knee (incl. Bursitis of Knee)
Extra-Articular Fracture
Extremity Malunions
Femur Fracture
Foot Conditions
Foot Fracture
Foot Sprain
Fracture
Fracture of Hand and Fingers
Fractured Lower Leg
Gait Abnormality
Ganglion Cyst
Glenoid Labrum Tear
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Hand Conditions
Hand Fracture
Hand Neuropathy
Hip Arthritis
Hip Bursitis
Hip Fracture
Hip Sprain
Humerus Fracture
Inflammatory Pelvic Pain
Insufficiency Fracture
Internal Derangement of Knee
Intra-Articular Fracture
Joint Fracture
Knee Arthritis
Knee Dislocation
Knee Disorders
Knee Fracture
Knee Injuries
Knee Ligament Injuries
Knee Ligament Rupture
Knee Pain
Knee Sprain
Knee Tendinitis
Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golf Elbow)
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprain
Leg Fracture Above Knee (incl. Hip)
Leg Fracture Below Knee (incl. Ankle)
Limb Pain
Malunion of Fracture
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprains and Tears
Meniscus Injuries
Meniscus Tear
Metatarsal Fracture
Motor Neuropathy
Neck Muscle Strain
Neuritis
Neuritis With Brachial Predilection
Neuropathy
Neuropathy, Motor and Sensory
Non-Inflammatory Pelvic Pain
Non-Unions and Malunions of Fractures
Osgood Schlatter Disease
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis of Ankle
Osteoarthritis of Elbow
Osteoarthritis of Finger Joint
Osteoarthritis of Foot
Osteoarthritis of Hand
Osteoarthritis of Hand or Wrist
Osteoarthritis of Hip
Osteoarthritis of Hip and Thigh
Osteoarthritis of Knee
Osteoarthritis of Spine
Osteoarthritis of Wrist
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteopenia
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)
Pathologic Fracture
Pathological Spine Fracture
Pediatric Ankle Fractures
Pediatric Fractures
Pelvic Fracture
Pelvic Pain
Peripheral Autonomic Neuropathy
Peripheral Nerve Disorders
Plantar Fasciitis
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries
Pyogenic Arthritis
Radiculitis
Radiculopathy
Rib Fracture
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator Cuff Tear
Runner's Knee
Rupture of Achilles Tendon
Ruptured Tendon
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac Pain Syndrome
Scapular Fracture
Sciatica (Not Due to Disc Displacement)
Scoliosis
Shoulder Diseases
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Disorders
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder Instability
Shoulder Labral Tear
Shoulder Muscle Strain
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder Sprain
Shoulder Tendinitis
Simple Fractures
Spine Disorders
Spine Fractures, Traumatic
Spondylarthritis
Spondylitis
Sports Injuries of the Knee
Sprains and Strains (incl. Muscle Tear)
Sternum Fracture
Strain of Muscle and-or Tendon of Forearm
Stress Fracture
Subacromial Bursitis
Tendon Disorders
Tendon Injuries
Tendonitis
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tibia and Fibula Fractures
Tibia Fracture
Torn Cartilage
Trigger Finger
Trochanteric Bursitis
Ulnar Neuritis
Ulnar Neuropathy
Upper Extremity Fracture
Wear and Tear Arthritis
Wrist Fracture
Wrist Sprain or Strain
All Shoulder or Elbow Replacement Procedures
Fracture Care
Joint Drainage
McMurray's Test
Separated Femoral Epiphysis Treatment
Shoulder Dislocation Treatment
Shoulder Fracture and Dislocation Treatment
Shoulder Fracture Treatment
Shoulder Resurfacing
Shoulder Stabilizations
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Dr. Pifer's Reviews
Likelihood to recommend Dr. Pifer
4.8
Based on 38 ratings
5 Star
95%
95%
4 Star
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3 Star
3%
3%
2 Star
0%
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1 Star
3%
3%
What went well
No reviews yet
What could be improved
No reviews yet
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It's been a bumpy couple of years starting with a fall from a ladder, when Dr.Pifer found a tumor, coordinated with a top surgeon at UCLA that removed it, followed by (his) surgeries
on a severed achilles, and rotator cuff. All went perfectly. Great guy, great staff.
I had a shoulder surgery performed by Dr Pifer. Before the surgery he explained the procedure in detail to me. The surgery went really well and my recovery was quite fast. My shoulder started to feel better soon after. I can now play tennis without feeling pain in my shoulder. Dr Pifer did a great job.
I've had 3 appointments with Dr. Pifer so far and I've been totally impressed with his professionalism and his patient interaction. He is really interested in the patients' well being and he takes the time to get to know his patients. I had two hip injections by Dr. Pifer and he does a fantastic job of explaining his entire process during the procedure so that the patient feels at ease with what's being done. I feel very comfortable being under his care.
I had to undergo a total shoulder replacement and bicep repair. I found Dr. Pifer and I couldn’t be more pleased. I’m a retired ortho nurse and sometimes nurses can be very selective about the care they receive. I received excellent care from Dr. Pifer and his team. His MA Tejoni is extremely responsive and professional and returns messages so promptly. The surgical center staff who assisted Dr. Pifer when he performed my surgery were empathic and professional. Everything was explained and the center was immaculate. Although I had a couple of non-serious post operative issues, Dr. Pifer treated them immediately. He spends time explaining procedures and optimal outcomes and has a wonderful sense of confidence and humor. I feel I received excellent care and would happily and confidently recommend him and his team to anyone that has shoulder issues. My husband went to see him for a rotator cuff issue and was very pleased with his treatment plan. This is a ten star orthopedic surgeon.
I am a civil servant who depends on my body to function at a high level of performance. I am also in a position that exposes me to a lot of doctors and hospital staff. I had injured my shoulder in at least four different areas due to high impact trama. After about 6-8 hours of research on line I decided to call Dr. Pifer's office. A soon as I called the office staff, explain my injury, you could hear the empathy and urgency in her voice. They went out of their way to get me in within a week of injury (not a month or more which is standard many places). When I got to my appointment the Dr. entered the room with confidence and a smile without a hint of being cocky or above the patient. Dr. Pifer had me in surgery within a day and a half. He takes the time to answer all question without rushing or cutting you off. Always having a smile and maintaining eye contact. Dr. Pifer and staff maintained their empathy and always went out of their way to get me the best care in a timely manner.
I expressed various concerns about him suggesting I take a high-does anti-inflamatory and steriod injection and he totally dismissed this. But the real kicker is when his office scheduled a follow up phone call after my nerve study. It was a 30 second call during which he couldnt even remember what arm we were discussing or the details of my case. That call, without insurance, came to $413 (my provider negotiated to $100....lucky me).
Dr. Pifer is a good surgeon but has a horrible bedside manner and turns on you when he feels you aren't healing as quickly as he would want as was in my case. When I shared my experience, I was told that 3 other patients had the same experience and was shocked. He's also arrogant and won't let you get a word in edge wise.
All of these things soured my experience and I would never recommend him to anyone.
Thoroughly happy with overall staffing, professionalism and quality of expertise and care throughout my initial consultation, pre-surgery, surgery and post-OP visits. I felt comfortable, listened to and satisfied with all communications and info regarding my extensive shoulder injuries, gameplan to alleviate the issues and how to get my shoulder back to a near normal condition. The confidence and compassion exhibited by Dr. Pifer and his staff were one that left me feeling that this entire procedure would go quite well and that I virtually had nothing to worry about. Dr. Pifer is a wizard with shoulders and I'm glad I chose him to take care of the many years of damage that my shoulder has endured along the way as a baseball pitcher, body builder and material arts practitioner.
Thank you, Dr. Pifer and staff for this great experience!!
R Webb
Our 15 year old daughter had a tear in her right shoulder which was causing her pain & not so good range of motion. 2 weeks ago Dr. Pifer did her Surgury. She’s finally now on the road to recovery. Dr. Pifer has a great bed side manner! He’s very easy to talk to & understand. He made us feel very comfortable. Would highly recommend him.
Dr. Pifer is simply as good as it gets.
He is a professional from first visit to surgery to very caring follow up.
He and his staff are the gold standard.
Likelihood of recommending Dr. Pifer to family and friends is 4.8421054 out of 5
About Me
Care Philosophy
We believe that patients benefit from a conservative multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. Our focus is on addressing total patient care by guiding...Read more
Biography
Dr. Pifer is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon fellowship trained in Sports Medicine, specializing in Shoulder care. His practice provides care...Read more
Does Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD accept any insurance plans?
A list of accepted insurance providers is available on the Healthgrades insurance check. It is always a good idea to verify your insurance when making an appointment.
Does Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD accept new patients?
New patients are generally accepted by Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD on Healthgrades. To arrange an appointment, call the number on undefined's profile.
What conditions does Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD treat?
Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD frequently treats the following conditions: Osteoarthritis of Shoulder, Shoulder Tendinitis and Tenosynovitis, and Joint Pain. See more on Healthgrades.
Is Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD affiliated with any hospitals?
Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
How much experience does Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD have?
Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD has over 14 years of healthcare experience.
Does Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD receive good ratings from patients?
There is a star rating of 4.8/5 for Dr. Matthew Pifer, MD. Patients say that the appointment wasn't rushed and they trusted the provider's decisions. See all patient feedback on Healthgrades.
Your trust is our top concern.
We strive to keep the reviews trustworthy, honest & fair.
We monitor all reviews to ensure they comply with our guidelines and don’t include personal information, profanity, libel, defamation, harassment, obscenity or fraud.
All reviews are confirmed and audited before publication, and community members have the ability to flag inappropriate content for further review by our team.
Doctors can not pay for good reviews, nor can they pay to have negative reviews removed.
Any reviews that are deemed fraudulent or violate our guidelines will be removed immediately.