Dr. Erik Schnaser, M.D.
Contact & Location
760-568-2684
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Dr. Schnaser performs more knee replacement procedures than 97% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #14 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Schnaser
Practice. Dr. Erik Schnaser is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rancho Mirage, California. The latest annual CMS data records 177 knee replacements and 160 hip replacements, 337 procedures in all. That is #14 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 83 procedures a year to 337, up 306%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 177 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45. That is #94 nationally.
Local context. Rancho Mirage has 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 52 | 31 |
| 2016 | 87 | 88 |
| 2017 | 117 | 81 |
| 2018 | 139 | 134 |
| 2019 | 156 | 151 |
| 2020 | 177 | 143 |
| 2021 | 154 | 171 |
| 2022 | 179 | 257 |
| 2023 | 193 | 234 |
| 2024 | 160 | 177 |
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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Schnaser Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schnaser's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 306% from 83 procedures in 2015 to 337 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 Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Schnaser
How does Dr. Schnaser's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Schnaser has performed 337 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 4x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Schnaser ranks #7 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schnaser perform?
Dr. Schnaser's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (177 cases) and hip replacement (160 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Schnaser with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Schnaser ranks #14 in California for knee replacement with 177 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 613 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schnaser in Rancho Mirage?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Rancho Mirage 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Schnaser 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Schnaser's total volume across all insurers at roughly 1,120 to 1,410 procedures against the 337 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. Schnaser's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schnaser's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 83 procedures in 2015 to 337 in the most recent data, a 306% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 436 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Schnaser perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Schnaser's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (177 cases), hip replacement (160 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schnaser affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schnaser is affiliated with Eisenhower Medical Center.
How does Dr. Schnaser compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rancho Mirage?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Rancho Mirage, Dr. Schnaser ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Schnaser is among the highest-volume surgeons in Rancho Mirage.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schnaser practices?
Eisenhower Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Rancho Mirage, California
Dr. Schnaser's 337 Medicare procedures are above the Rancho Mirage average of 242. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rancho Mirage.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ghassan Boghosian | 464 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick St.Pierre | 127 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Karimdad Otarodi | 39 | Shoulder |
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.