Dr. Alex Schmucker
Contact & Location
Saginaw, MI 48602
Dr. Alex Schmucker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saginaw, Michigan. Dr. Schmucker has performed 15 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #41 in Michigan.
In Michigan, Dr. Schmucker performs below average in shoulder (15 vs 28 avg).
Dr. Schmucker's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 15 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.
Saginaw is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Saginaw area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Schmucker also maintains hospital privileges in MI and MD, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Michigan.
Dr. Schmucker first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Schmucker's 15 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 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. Schmucker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Schmucker
How does Dr. Schmucker's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Schmucker has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Michigan average is 49 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Schmucker ranks #227 out of 256 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schmucker perform?
Dr. Schmucker's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schmucker in Saginaw?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Saginaw 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 Michigan surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Schmucker 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. Schmucker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schmucker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schmucker is affiliated with Covenant Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, The. Dr. Schmucker maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Schmucker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saginaw?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Saginaw, Dr. Schmucker ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saginaw has 52 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schmucker practices?
Covenant Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Johns Hopkins Hospital, The (4 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 Saginaw, Michigan
Dr. Schmucker's 15 Medicare procedures are below the Saginaw average of 24. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saginaw.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jared Weir | 52 | Knee |
| Dr. Brian De Beaubien | 45 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Osborne | 20 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Danielle Duncan | 14 | Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Bindon | 13 | Hip |
| Dr. Tarek Taha | 12 | Hip |
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.