Dr. Michael Ast, M.D.
Contact & Location
201-599-8056
Paramus, NJ 07652
New York, NY 10021
New York, NY 10021
Dr. Ast performs more knee replacement procedures than 87% of orthopedic surgeons in New Jersey, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #18 of 140 ranked knee surgeons in New Jersey.
About Dr. Ast
Practice. Dr. Michael Ast is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Paramus, New Jersey. The latest annual CMS data records 111 knee replacements and 56 hip replacements, 167 procedures in all. That is #18 in New Jersey for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 167, up 1418%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 111 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Paramus has 6 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 | 11 | 0 |
| 2014 | 11 | 20 |
| 2015 | 28 | 24 |
| 2016 | 33 | 54 |
| 2017 | 33 | 56 |
| 2018 | 41 | 72 |
| 2019 | 57 | 119 |
| 2020 | 75 | 105 |
| 2021 | 94 | 148 |
| 2022 | 98 | 143 |
| 2023 | 54 | 108 |
| 2024 | 56 | 111 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. 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 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Ast's total volume across all insurers at roughly 570 to 710 procedures against the 167 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. 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.