Dr. Brett Wasserlauf, M.D.
Contact & Location
860-242-3000
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Dr. Wasserlauf performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 42% of orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #15 of 26 ranked shoulder surgeons in Connecticut.
About Dr. Wasserlauf
Practice. Dr. Brett Wasserlauf is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The latest annual CMS data records 21 shoulder replacements and 12 knee replacements, 33 procedures in all. That is #15 in Connecticut for shoulder replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 9 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 33, up 200%.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 21 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 | 0 |
| 2014 | 11 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 11 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 12 |
| 2019 | 0 | 13 |
| 2020 | 15 | 11 |
| 2021 | 15 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 11 |
| 2024 | 12 | 21 |
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, 23% to 28% for knee 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. Wasserlauf Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Connecticut state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wasserlauf's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 200% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 33 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 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.
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. Wasserlauf
How does Dr. Wasserlauf's procedure volume compare to other Connecticut surgeons?
Dr. Wasserlauf has performed 33 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Connecticut average is 49 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wasserlauf ranks #52 out of 94 orthopedic surgeons in Connecticut.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wasserlauf perform?
Dr. Wasserlauf's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (21 cases) and knee replacement (12 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Wasserlauf with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Wasserlauf ranks #15 in Connecticut for shoulder replacement with 21 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 94 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Where is Dr. Wasserlauf's practice located?
Dr. Wasserlauf practices in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The office is located at 35 Jolley Dr, Bloomfield, CT 06002. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Wasserlauf for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wasserlauf 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, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Wasserlauf's total volume across all insurers at roughly 100 to 120 procedures against the 33 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. Wasserlauf's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wasserlauf's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 33 in the most recent data, a 200% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 33 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Wasserlauf perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wasserlauf's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (21 cases), knee replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wasserlauf affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wasserlauf is affiliated with Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center, Hartford Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wasserlauf practices?
Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hartford Hospital (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.
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.