Dr. Eric Schafer, M.D.
Contact & Location
Lexington, KY 40509
Dr. Eric Schafer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lexington, Kentucky. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Schafer has performed 31 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#46 in Kentucky) and 28 hip replacements, for a combined total of 59 procedures.
In Kentucky, Dr. Schafer performs below average in knee (31 vs 42 avg), near average in hip (28 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Schafer's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (31 cases) and hip replacements (28 cases).
Lexington is home to 22 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lexington area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Schafer's Medicare data spans 4 years, beginning in 2021. Volume peaked at 128 procedures in 2022 before settling at 59 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Schafer's 31 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 Kentucky state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schafer's recorded volume peaked at 128 procedures in 2022 and stood at 59 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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 Kentucky surgeons?
Dr. Schafer has performed 59 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kentucky average of 61 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Schafer ranks #45 out of 128 orthopedic surgeons in Kentucky.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schafer perform?
Dr. Schafer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases) and hip replacement (28 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schafer in Lexington?
Yes. There are 22 orthopedic surgeons in Lexington 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 Kentucky 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 59 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Schafer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Schafer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 128 procedures in 2022 and was 59 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Schafer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Schafer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases), hip replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schafer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schafer is affiliated with Chi Saint Joseph East, Baptist Health Lexington, Chi Saint Joseph London.
How does Dr. Schafer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lexington?
Among the 22 orthopedic surgeons in Lexington, Dr. Schafer ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Lexington has 253 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schafer practices?
Chi Saint Joseph East (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Baptist Health Lexington (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Chi Saint Joseph London (3 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 Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Schafer's 59 Medicare procedures are below the Lexington average of 130. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lexington.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christian Christensen | 253 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Tharun Karthikeyan | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Denehy | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Selby | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Wallace Huff | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Donegan | 82 | Shoulder |
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.