Dr. George Canizares, M.D.
Contact & Location
St Petersburg, FL 33702
Dr. George Canizares is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in St Petersburg, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Canizares has performed 30 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #224 in Florida.
In Florida, Dr. Canizares performs below average in knee (30 vs 48 avg).
Dr. Canizares's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 30 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
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 9 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 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 30 in the most recent data, a 150% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Canizares's 30 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Canizares Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Canizares's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 150% from 12 procedures in 2013 to 30 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Canizares
How does Dr. Canizares's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Canizares has performed 30 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 #365 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Canizares perform?
Dr. Canizares's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 30 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Canizares in St Petersburg?
Yes. There are 9 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 30 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 30 in the most recent data, a 150% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 42 procedures in 2022.
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 9 orthopedic surgeons in St Petersburg, Dr. Canizares ranks #3 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 30 Medicare procedures are below the St Petersburg average of 37. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in St Petersburg.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kurt Hirshorn | 94 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brett Bolhofner | 50 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Katulle Eaton | 26 | Knee |
| Dr. Anthony Albert | 24 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dzi-Viet Nguyen | 21 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Patrick Smith | 17 | 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.