Dr. Michael Ast, M.D.
Contact & Location
Paramus, NJ 07652
Dr. Michael Ast is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Paramus, New Jersey. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Ast has performed 111 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#18 in New Jersey) and 56 hip replacements, for a combined total of 167 procedures.
In New Jersey, Dr. Ast performs well above average in knee (111 vs 54 avg), above average in hip (56 vs 44 avg).
Dr. Ast's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (111 cases) and hip replacements (56 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Ast holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Paramus is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Paramus area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Ast extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 167 in the most recent data, a 1418% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Ast's 111 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Ast Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New Jersey state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Ast's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 1418% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 167 in the most recent data.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Ast
How does Dr. Ast's procedure volume compare to other New Jersey surgeons?
Dr. Ast has performed 167 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the New Jersey average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Ast ranks #22 out of 184 orthopedic surgeons in New Jersey.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ast perform?
Dr. Ast's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (111 cases) and hip replacement (56 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Ast with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Ast ranks #18 in New Jersey for knee replacement with 111 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 184 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ast in Paramus?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Paramus 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 New Jersey surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ast 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. Ast's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 167 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Ast's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Ast's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 167 in the most recent data, a 1418% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 242 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Ast perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Ast's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (111 cases), hip replacement (56 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Ast compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Paramus?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Paramus, Dr. Ast ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Ast is among the highest-volume surgeons in Paramus.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Paramus, New Jersey
Dr. Ast's 167 Medicare procedures are above the Paramus average of 95. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Paramus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Gregg Klein | 284 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ari Seidenstein | 72 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Rocco Bassora | 18 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Eitan Kohan | 14 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Stephen McIlveen | 12 | 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.