Dr. Joseph Bruenjes, MD
Dr. Joseph Bruenjes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A Medicare provider since 2016, Dr. Bruenjes has completed 16 knee replacements (#175 in Michigan), 13 shoulder replacements, and 11 hip replacements, totaling 40 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Michigan, Dr. Bruenjes performs below average in knee (16 vs 33 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 27 avg), below average in hip (11 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Bruenjes performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (16 cases), followed by shoulder replacements (13) and hip replacements (11).
Kalamazoo is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Kalamazoo area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Bruenjes first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Bruenjes's 16 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Bruenjes Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Contact & Location
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
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 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. Bruenjes
How does Dr. Bruenjes's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Bruenjes has performed 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Michigan average of 48 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bruenjes ranks #125 out of 272 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bruenjes perform?
Dr. Bruenjes performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bruenjes in Kalamazoo?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Kalamazoo 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. Bruenjes 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. Bruenjes's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 40 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Bruenjes perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bruenjes's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Bruenjes among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bruenjes affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bruenjes is affiliated with Sanford, Chi Mercy Health, Sanford Medical Center Hillsboro. Dr. Bruenjes maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Bruenjes compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kalamazoo?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Kalamazoo, Dr. Bruenjes ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Kalamazoo has 96 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bruenjes practices?
Sanford (4 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 Kalamazoo, Michigan
Dr. Bruenjes's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Kalamazoo average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kalamazoo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Bernard Roehr | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Morren | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Christ | 64 | Hip |
| Dr. Todd Ream | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Sytsma | 53 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Christopher Betzle | 48 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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