Dr. Steven Schafer, M.D.
Contact & Location
941-792-1404
Bradenton, FL 34212
Dr. Schafer performs more knee replacement procedures than 42% of orthopedic surgeons in Florida, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #232 of 406 ranked knee surgeons in Florida.
About Dr. Schafer
Practice. Dr. Steven Schafer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bradenton, Florida. The latest annual CMS data records 29 knee replacements. That is #232 in Florida for knee replacement. Dr. Schafer also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2021 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 29, up 142%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 29 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Bradenton has 11 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 |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 29 |
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. 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. 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 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, which puts Dr. Schafer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 100 to 130 procedures against the 29 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. 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, Sarasota Memorial 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); Sarasota Memorial Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate better than 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.