Dr. Brian Shafer, M.D.
Contact & Location
602-648-5444
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Dr. Shafer performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 43% of orthopedic surgeons in Arizona, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #35 of 62 ranked shoulder surgeons in Arizona.
About Dr. Shafer
Dr. Brian Shafer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Phoenix, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Shafer performed 22 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #35 in Arizona.
In Arizona, Dr. Shafer performs below the state average in shoulder (22 vs 31).
Dr. Shafer's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 22 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Phoenix is home to 51 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Phoenix area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Shafer extend back to 2013, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 22 in the most recent data, a 47% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Shafer's 22 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,217 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 22 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Shafer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Shafer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 47% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 22 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Shafer
How does Dr. Shafer's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Shafer has performed 22 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Shafer ranks #152 out of 191 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Shafer perform?
Dr. Shafer's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 22 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Shafer in Phoenix?
Yes. There are 51 orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix 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 Arizona surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Shafer 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Shafer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 80 procedures against the 22 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. Shafer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Shafer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 22 in the most recent data, a 47% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 22 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Shafer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Shafer is affiliated with Honorhealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Med Ctr.
How does Dr. Shafer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix?
Among the 51 orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix, Dr. Shafer ranks #42 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Phoenix has 234 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Shafer practices?
Honorhealth Scottsdale Thompson Peak Med Ctr (4 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 Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Shafer's 22 Medicare procedures are below the Phoenix average of 137. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Phoenix.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Werner | 234 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christina Khoury | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Hattrup | 147 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Wilmink | 144 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kenneth Schmidt | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Lige Kaplan | 128 | 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.