Shoulder
Dr. Brian Shafer, M.D.
Dr. Brian Shafer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Phoenix, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Shafer has performed 15 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #47 in Arizona.
In Arizona, Dr. Shafer performs below average in shoulder (15 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Shafer's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 15 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 53 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.
Dr. Shafer's Medicare record spans 7 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 11 to 19 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Shafer's 15 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Shafer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Contact & Location
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Shafer's procedure volume has been consistent across 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 19 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Shafer ranks #171 out of 193 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 15 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 53 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 the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Shafer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Shafer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Shafer's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 7 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 19 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
How does Dr. Shafer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix?
Among the 53 orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix, Dr. Shafer ranks #46 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Phoenix has 227 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Shafer's 15 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 | 227 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Hattrup | 157 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Lige Kaplan | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Wilmink | 140 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Spangehl | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christina Khoury | 137 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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