Knee
Dr. Robert Schaefer, MD
Dr. Robert Schaefer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Asheville, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Schaefer has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #201 in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, Dr. Schaefer performs below average in knee (18 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Schaefer's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 18 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.
Asheville is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Asheville area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Schaefer's Medicare data spans 6 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2017 before settling at 18 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Schaefer's 18 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 North Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Asheville, NC 28801
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schaefer's recorded volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2017 and stood at 18 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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 North Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Schaefer has performed 18 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Schaefer ranks #245 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schaefer perform?
Dr. Schaefer's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 18 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 Asheville?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Asheville 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 North Carolina 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 18 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Schaefer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Schaefer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 46 procedures in 2017 and was 18 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. Schaefer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schaefer is affiliated with Hilton Head Regional Medical Center, South Carolina Coastal Medical Center Llc. Dr. Schaefer maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Schaefer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Asheville?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Asheville, Dr. Schaefer ranks #13 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Asheville has 178 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schaefer practices?
Hilton Head Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); South Carolina Coastal Medical Center Llc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Asheville, North Carolina
Dr. Schaefer's 18 Medicare procedures are below the Asheville average of 95. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Asheville.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ted Barnett | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Karegeannes | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Philip Fontenot | 94 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Jarrett | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Tally Eddings | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Jones | 78 | Knee, Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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