Dr. Brian Schafer, MD
Contact & Location
573-335-8257
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
About Dr. Schafer
Dr. Brian Schafer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Schafer performed 60 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #33 in Missouri.
In Missouri, Dr. Schafer performs above the state average in knee (60 vs 42).
Dr. Schafer's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 60 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.
Cape Girardeau is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cape Girardeau area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Schafer's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 102 procedures in 2018 before settling at 60 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Schafer's 60 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 91 |
| 2015 | 97 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2018 | 102 |
| 2019 | 75 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 48 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 60 |
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 Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schafer's recorded volume peaked at 102 procedures in 2018 and stood at 60 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 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.
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 Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Schafer has performed 60 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Schafer ranks #76 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schafer perform?
Dr. Schafer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 60 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 Cape Girardeau?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Cape Girardeau 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 Missouri 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 60 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Schafer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Schafer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 102 procedures in 2018 and was 60 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.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schafer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schafer is affiliated with Saint Francis Medical Center, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Southeast, Mercy Hospital Perry.
How does Dr. Schafer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cape Girardeau?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Cape Girardeau, Dr. Schafer ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Cape Girardeau has 105 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schafer practices?
Saint Francis Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Mercy Hospital Southeast (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 Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Dr. Schafer's 60 Medicare procedures are below the Cape Girardeau average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cape Girardeau.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charity Jacobs | 105 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Raymond Ritter | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Knight | 72 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Edwards | 23 | 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.