Dr. Safa Kassab, M.D.
Contact & Location
248-335-2977
Pontiac, MI 48341
Dr. Kassab performs more knee replacement procedures than 99% of orthopedic surgeons in Michigan, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #1 of 202 ranked knee surgeons in Michigan.
About Dr. Kassab
Practice. Dr. Safa Kassab is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pontiac, Michigan. The latest annual CMS data records 146 knee replacements. That is #1 in Michigan for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 103 and 150 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 146 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45. That is #193 nationally.
Local context. Pontiac has 3 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 31 | 119 |
| 2014 | 31 | 98 |
| 2015 | 37 | 92 |
| 2016 | 35 | 90 |
| 2017 | 34 | 85 |
| 2018 | 29 | 92 |
| 2019 | 28 | 92 |
| 2020 | 30 | 73 |
| 2021 | 22 | 82 |
| 2022 | 25 | 91 |
| 2023 | 18 | 107 |
| 2024 | 0 | 146 |
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. Kassab Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Kassab's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 103 to 150 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Kassab
How does Dr. Kassab's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Kassab has performed 146 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Michigan average of 49 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Kassab ranks #9 out of 256 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kassab perform?
Dr. Kassab's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 146 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Kassab with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Kassab ranks #1 in Michigan for knee replacement with 146 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 256 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kassab in Pontiac?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Pontiac 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. Kassab 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. Kassab's total volume across all insurers at roughly 520 to 630 procedures against the 146 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. Kassab's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Kassab's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 103 to 150 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kassab affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kassab is affiliated with Trinity Health Oakland Hospital.
How does Dr. Kassab compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pontiac?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Pontiac, Dr. Kassab ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Kassab has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kassab practices?
Trinity Health Oakland 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 Pontiac, Michigan
Dr. Kassab's 146 Medicare procedures are above the Pontiac average of 82. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pontiac.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Maher Bahu | 57 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Kimberly McLean | 42 | Knee, 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.