Dr. Otto Schueckler, M.D.
Contact & Location
805-541-4600
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Dr. Schueckler performs more knee replacement procedures than 35% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #318 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Schueckler
Practice. Dr. Otto Schueckler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Luis Obispo, California. The latest annual CMS data records 23 knee replacements and 22 shoulder replacements, 45 procedures in all. That is #318 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2014 to 2024, 9 years. Volume rose from 15 procedures a year to 45, up 200%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. San Luis Obispo 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 | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 15 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 | 0 |
| 2016 | 13 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 0 |
| 2020 | 15 | 0 |
| 2021 | 19 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 14 | 11 |
| 2024 | 23 | 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 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 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. Schueckler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schueckler's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 200% from 15 procedures in 2014 to 45 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Schueckler
How does Dr. Schueckler's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Schueckler has performed 45 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Schueckler ranks #300 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schueckler perform?
Dr. Schueckler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and shoulder replacement (22 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schueckler in San Luis Obispo?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in San Luis Obispo 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. Schueckler 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Schueckler's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 180 procedures against the 45 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. Schueckler's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schueckler's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2014 to 45 in the most recent data, a 200% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 45 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Schueckler perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Schueckler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), shoulder replacement (22 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schueckler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schueckler is affiliated with French Hospital Medical Center, Adventist Health Sierra Vista, Marian Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Schueckler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Luis Obispo?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in San Luis Obispo, Dr. Schueckler ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Schueckler is among the highest-volume surgeons in San Luis Obispo.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schueckler practices?
French Hospital Medical Center (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Adventist Health Sierra Vista (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Marian Regional 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 San Luis Obispo, California
Dr. Schueckler's 45 Medicare procedures are below the San Luis Obispo average of 84. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Luis Obispo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dimitri Delagrammaticas | 216 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sean Devine | 54 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Evelyn Smith | 19 | 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.