Dr. Steven Schafer, MD
Contact & Location
Bradenton, FL 34212
Dr. Steven Schafer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bradenton, Florida. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Schafer has performed 29 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #232 in Florida.
In Florida, Dr. Schafer performs below average in knee (29 vs 48 avg).
Dr. Schafer's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 29 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. Schafer holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Bradenton is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bradenton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Schafer extend back to 2021, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 29 in the most recent data, a 142% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Schafer's 29 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. Schafer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Florida state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schafer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 142% from 12 procedures in 2021 to 29 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Schafer
How does Dr. Schafer's procedure volume compare to other Florida surgeons?
Dr. Schafer has performed 29 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. Schafer ranks #371 out of 523 orthopedic surgeons in Florida.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schafer perform?
Dr. Schafer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 29 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schafer in Bradenton?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bradenton 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. Schafer 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. Schafer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 29 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Schafer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schafer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2021 to 29 in the most recent data, a 142% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 29 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schafer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schafer is affiliated with Hca Florida Blake Hospital.
How does Dr. Schafer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bradenton?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Bradenton, Dr. Schafer ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bradenton has 260 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schafer practices?
Hca Florida Blake Hospital (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 Bradenton, Florida
Dr. Schafer's 29 Medicare procedures are below the Bradenton average of 135. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bradenton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alan Valadie | 260 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Cashen | 207 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Otte | 128 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Daniel Lamar | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Avinash Kumar | 108 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Joshua Greenspoon | 106 | Hip, 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.