Knee
Dr. Christopher Schaefer, MD
Dr. Christopher Schaefer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Joseph, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Schaefer has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #152 in Missouri.
In Missouri, Dr. Schaefer performs below average in knee (12 vs 43 avg).
Dr. Schaefer's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 12 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Schaefer holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Saint Joseph is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Saint Joseph area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Schaefer first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Schaefer's 12 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. Schaefer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Contact & Location
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schaefer has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Schaefer
How does Dr. Schaefer's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Schaefer has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Schaefer ranks #196 out of 199 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schaefer perform?
Dr. Schaefer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schaefer in Saint Joseph?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Joseph 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. Schaefer 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. Schaefer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
How does Dr. Schaefer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Joseph?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Joseph, Dr. Schaefer ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saint Joseph has 87 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dr. Schaefer's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Joseph average of 53. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Joseph.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Judd Smith | 87 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brian Duncan | 58 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Corey Trease | 54 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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