#124 Shoulder
#289 Knee

Dr. George Canizares, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
34 procedures 2 hospitals St Petersburg, FL
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 22 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)
Shoulder 12 vs 28 avg (2,092 surgeons)

Dr. George Canizares is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in St Petersburg, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Canizares has performed 22 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#289 in Florida) and 12 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 34 procedures.

In Florida, Dr. Canizares performs below average in knee (22 vs 49 avg), below average in shoulder (12 vs 34 avg).

Dr. Canizares's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (22 cases) and shoulder replacements (12 cases).

Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Canizares holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

St Petersburg is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the St Petersburg area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Canizares extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 34 in the most recent data, a 183% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Dr. Canizares's 22 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
22 verified cases
#289 in Florida
Shoulder Replacement
12 verified cases
#124 in Florida
Estimated total: 90 – 100 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Canizares Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.

Knee Below Avg
22 Avg: 49
Shoulder Below Avg
12 Avg: 34
Dr. Canizares Florida Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 727-527-5272
4600 4th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33703
NPI: 1942274485
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Canizares's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 183% from 12 procedures in 2013 to 34 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 34
Peak Volume 42 (2022)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital
★★☆☆☆
Saint Petersburg, FL
Similar to national avg
H
St Anthonys Hospital
★★★☆☆
Saint Petersburg, FL
Low case volume

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Canizares

How does Dr. Canizares's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?

Dr. Canizares has performed 34 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Florida average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Canizares ranks #329 out of 509 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Canizares perform?

Dr. Canizares's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases) and shoulder replacement (12 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Canizares in St Petersburg?

Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in St Petersburg 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 Florida surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Canizares 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. Canizares's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Canizares's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Canizares's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2013 to 34 in the most recent data, a 183% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 42 procedures in 2022.

Does Dr. Canizares perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Canizares's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Canizares affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Canizares is affiliated with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, St Anthonys Hospital.

How does Dr. Canizares compare to other orthopedic surgeons in St Petersburg?

Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in St Petersburg, Dr. Canizares ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Canizares is among the highest-volume surgeons in St Petersburg.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Canizares practices?

Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Anthonys Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in St Petersburg, Florida

Dr. Canizares's 34 Medicare procedures are above the St Petersburg average of 26. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in St Petersburg.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Brett Bolhofner 59 Hip, Knee
Dr. Katulle Eaton 29 Knee
Dr. Dzi-Viet Nguyen 20 Shoulder
Dr. Michael Smith 19 Knee
Dr. Thomas Stang 11 Hip
Dr. Anthony Albert 11 Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. George Canizares, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-george-canizares-st-petersburg.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/fl/dr-george-canizares-st-petersburg.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.