Dr. Paulo Bicalho, M.D.
Contact & Location
314-849-5414
Saint Louis, MO 63128
Dr. Bicalho performs more knee replacement procedures than 41% of orthopedic surgeons in Missouri, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #97 of 166 ranked knee surgeons in Missouri.
About Dr. Bicalho
Practice. Dr. Paulo Bicalho is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Louis, Missouri. The latest annual CMS data records 25 knee replacements. That is #97 in Missouri for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 10 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 25, up 108%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 25 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Saint Louis has 57 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 | 0 | 12 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 20 |
| 2016 | 0 | 42 |
| 2017 | 0 | 32 |
| 2018 | 13 | 17 |
| 2019 | 0 | 24 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 21 |
| 2022 | 18 | 17 |
| 2023 | 0 | 28 |
| 2024 | 0 | 25 |
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. Bicalho Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bicalho's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 108% from 12 procedures in 2013 to 25 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.
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. Bicalho
How does Dr. Bicalho's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Bicalho has performed 25 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. Bicalho ranks #141 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bicalho perform?
Dr. Bicalho's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 25 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bicalho in Saint Louis?
Yes. There are 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis 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. Bicalho 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. Bicalho's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 110 procedures against the 25 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. Bicalho's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bicalho's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2013 to 25 in the most recent data, a 108% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 42 procedures in 2016.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bicalho affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bicalho is affiliated with Anderson Hospital, Community Hospital Of Staunton, Alton Memorial Hospital, Memorial Hospital. Dr. Bicalho maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Bicalho compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis?
Among the 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis, Dr. Bicalho ranks #42 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saint Louis has 279 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bicalho practices?
Anderson Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Alton Memorial Hospital (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 Saint Louis, Missouri
Dr. Bicalho's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Louis average of 145. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Louis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ryan Nunley | 279 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Palmer | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Hubbard | 144 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Coles L'hommedieu | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ilya Bendich | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Mudd | 132 | Hip, 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.