What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.74
Average wait time
4.42
Bedside manner
4.65
“Dr Pifer was exactly what I wished for! Avaliable right away. One visit everything I needed was done! I recommend him to everyone I know. Works miracles!”
Laura P.June 17, 2025
“Making the appointment through Zocdoc was easy. It was one reason I shoes the provider for my first visit”
Theresa Y.October 15, 2024
About Dr. Matthew Pifer
Matthew Pifer, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving patients in the community of Santa Barbara, California, and beyond. Dr. Pifer brings a wealth of training and experience to his practice and has earned a reputation for excellence in the region.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Pifer began his post-secondary education at Ashland University in Ohio. He studied chemistry and molecular and cellular biology under an NCAA football scholarship. Dr. Pifer started four years and is among the highest scorers in the school’s history.
Dr. Pifer went on to complete his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. During medical school, he also completed a Masters of Science in Applied Surgical Anatomy. Orthopedic surgical residency at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Royal Oak, Michigan, followed. Dr. Pifer completed fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, and focusing on the Shoulder at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego.
In an effort to add to his skill set, Dr. Pifer continues to seek out opportunities to learn about the latest advancements in medical technology. A great deal of energy goes into choosing the best available surgical tools and technology to deliver outstanding results.
His practice not only includes the use of cutting edge surgical treatments but also the use of biologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies to treat injuries and promote healing.
Dr. Pifer is passionate about personalized care. He takes the time to get to know the patients in his care and educates them on all available treatment options. This empowers patients to take control of their health journey.
Among Dr. Pifer’s professional achievements are numerous awards, including designation as a Rising Star in Super Doctors Magazine.
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In-network insurances
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Areas of expertise
This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.
Joint injury due to trauma
Shoulder arthroscopy/rotator cuff repair
Fracture/dislocation treatment arm/wrist/hand
Knee arthroscopy
Arthritis
Total shoulder replacement
Joint injury due to trauma
Shoulder arthroscopy/rotator cuff repair
Fracture/dislocation treatment arm/wrist/hand
Knee arthroscopy
Office location
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
- Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
Board certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Education and training
- Medical School - Case Western Reserve University, Doctor of Medicine
- Case Western Reserve University, Master's in Applied Surgical Anatomy
- Ashland University (Bachelor's)
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Residency in Orthopedic Surgery
- Kaiser Permanente, Fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Professional memberships
- California Medical Association
- American Medical Association
- American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Awards and publications
- Sgaglione, Nicholas. Lubowitz, James. Provencher, Matthew. The Knee. AANA Advanced Arthroscopic Surgical Techniques. SLACK Inc, 2016. Chaper 12: Reconstruction of the MPFL For Instability.
- Reider, Bruce. Davis, George. Provencher, Matthew. Orthopaedic Rehabilitation of the Athlete. Getting Back In the Game. Saunders, 2015 Chapter 28: Nonoperative Rehabilitation of Patellar Instability, Postoperative Rehabilitation after proximal realignment procedures and MPFL reconstruction.
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Male
NPI number
1336302231
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.74
Wait time
4.42
Bedside manner
4.65
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34 reviews
Most relevant
Making the appointment through Zocdoc was easy. It was one reason I shoes the provider for my first visit
October 15, 2024Theresa Y.Verified patient
Went fine, answered questions & showed photos of surgical work done! Very interesting!
More than 1 year agoSP
Great service, skilled knowledgeable doctor, would highly recommend
September 18, 2024Scott R.Verified patient
Doc Pifer was excellent very personable and explained the issues very well.
More than 1 year agoJL
- quick, easy, efficient
- thorough exam, easy to understand
More than 1 year agoMC
Dr Pifer was exactly what I wished for! Avaliable right away. One visit everything I needed was done! I recommend him to everyone I know. Works miracles!
June 17, 2025Laura P.Verified patient
The pop-up for this physician, in addition to offering information re address, office hours, etc., offers the link: "book online." I booked online and received multiple texts from Zocdoc confirming the appointment, requesting pre check-in, etc. I confirmed, did the check-in, etc., and yet when I arrived for my appointment I was told there was no record of it because although the doctor uses Zocdoc, "the office doesn't use Zocdoc." What's the story? I think Dr. Pifer and Zocdoc need to get their act together.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
The expense was excellent! Dr Pifer was direct to the point. He explained several possabilities for my Problems We are waiting for the results of my MRI before a final diagnosis.
September 14, 2024Howard C.Verified patient
Very friendly and personable staff. Doctor Pifer was the same. very knowledgeable about my situation and offered many options. He did not push surgery but assured me that it was a routine procedure for him, if I decided to take that route.
March 27, 2024Joe M.Verified patient
Great office and staff. Smart and fast.
August 5, 2023Joseph G.Verified patient
- pleasent staff
- short wait time
More than 1 year agoJH
Awesome
More than 1 year agoCW
Succesful
More than 1 year agoKD
It was very informative
More than 1 year agoNG
GREAT!
More than 1 year agoSJ
Awesome! Pain Free. Great Staff. Friendly
More than 1 year agoRR
EXCELLENT
More than 1 year agoCW
-Very quick
-organized
-easy to understand.
More than 1 year agoFF
Very good - no wait time.
More than 1 year agoDA
January 21, 2026David H.Verified patient
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January 29, 2025Judy F.Verified patient
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December 5, 2024Noel B.Verified patient
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October 6, 2023Anita K.Verified patient
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More than 1 year agoJH
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More than 1 year agoOH
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Matthew Pifer?
Generally, Dr. Matthew Pifer has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Pifer's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Matthew Pifer accepting new patients?
Dr. Matthew Pifer generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Pifer's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Matthew Pifer accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Pifer is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Matthew Pifer online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Pifer using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Matthew Pifer affiliated with?
Dr. Matthew Pifer is affiliated with Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital.
What practice does Dr. Matthew Pifer work with?
Dr. Matthew Pifer works with Matthew Pifer, MD.
Where is Dr. Matthew Pifer's office located?
Dr. Matthew Pifer's office is located at 5333 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.
Which board certifications does Dr. Matthew Pifer have?
Dr. Matthew Pifer is certified by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Matthew Pifer?
Dr. Matthew Pifer frequently sees patients for Arthritis, Orthopedic Consultation, Sports Injury, Surgery Consultation, and X-ray. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Matthew Pifer on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Matthew Pifer speak?
Dr. Matthew Pifer speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Matthew Pifer in reviews?
34 patients have reviewed Dr. Matthew Pifer. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.74/5. They have a 4.65/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.42/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.