Dr. Christopher Schaefer, M.D.
Contact & Location
816-233-9888
Saint Joseph, MO 64506
Columbia, MO 65212
Dr. Schaefer performs more knee replacement procedures than 1% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #164 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Schaefer
Practice. Dr. Christopher Schaefer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 12 knee replacements and 11 shoulder replacements, 23 procedures in all. That is #164 in Missouri for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2022 to 2024, 3 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 23, up 109%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 12 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Saint Joseph 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 | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 11 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 | 0 |
| 2024 | 12 | 11 |
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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Schaefer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schaefer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 109% from 11 procedures in 2022 to 23 in the most recent data.
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.
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 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Schaefer ranks #154 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schaefer perform?
Dr. Schaefer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (12 cases) and shoulder replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schaefer in Saint Joseph?
Yes. There are 3 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 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Schaefer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 70 to 90 procedures against the 23 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. Schaefer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schaefer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2022 to 23 in the most recent data, a 109% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 23 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Schaefer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Schaefer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (12 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schaefer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schaefer is affiliated with Mosaic Life Care At St Joseph, Saint Lukes North Hospital, Cameron Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Schaefer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Joseph?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Joseph, Dr. Schaefer ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Schaefer is among the highest-volume surgeons in Saint Joseph.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schaefer practices?
Mosaic Life Care At St Joseph (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Saint Lukes North Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cameron Regional Medical Center (3 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 Saint Joseph, Missouri
Dr. Schaefer's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Joseph average of 55. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Joseph.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Judd Smith | 112 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Corey Trease | 30 | 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.