Dr. Michele Schulz, MD
Contact & Location
Fresno, CA 93720
Dr. Michele Schulz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fresno, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Schulz has performed 97 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#53 in California) and 23 hip replacements, for a combined total of 120 procedures.
In California, Dr. Schulz performs well above average in knee (97 vs 47 avg), below average in hip (23 vs 41 avg).
Dr. Schulz's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 81% of reported Medicare volume.
Fresno is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Fresno area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Schulz extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 39 to 120 in the most recent data, a 208% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Schulz's 97 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Schulz Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schulz's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 208% from 39 procedures in 2013 to 120 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. Schulz
How does Dr. Schulz's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Schulz has performed 120 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Schulz ranks #90 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schulz perform?
Dr. Schulz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (97 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schulz in Fresno?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Fresno 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. Schulz 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. Schulz's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 120 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Schulz's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schulz's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 39 procedures in 2013 to 120 in the most recent data, a 208% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 120 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Schulz perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Schulz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (97 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schulz affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schulz is affiliated with Fresno Surgical Hospital, Saint Agnes Medical Center.
How does Dr. Schulz compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Fresno?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Fresno, Dr. Schulz ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Fresno has 242 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schulz practices?
Fresno Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Saint Agnes Medical Center (2 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 Fresno, California
Dr. Schulz's 120 Medicare procedures are below the Fresno average of 180. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Fresno.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Henry Dunn | 242 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Simons | 238 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paramjeet Gill | 221 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Glezos | 199 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Knedel | 141 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julia Lee | 96 | 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.