Knee
Dr. Stephen O'brien, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON
Dr. Stephen O'brien is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in New York, New York. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. O'brien has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #148 in New York.
In New York, Dr. O'brien performs below average in knee (27 vs 45 avg).
Dr. O'brien's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 27 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.
New York is home to 84 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the New York area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. O'brien's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 41 procedures in 2013 before settling at 27 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. O'brien's 27 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. O'brien Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Contact & Location
New York, NY 10021
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. O'brien's recorded volume peaked at 41 procedures in 2013 and stood at 27 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.
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.
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.
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. O'brien
How does Dr. O'brien's procedure volume compare to other New York surgeons?
Dr. O'brien has performed 27 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The New York average is 67 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. O'brien ranks #225 out of 338 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. O'brien perform?
Dr. O'brien's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 27 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. O'brien in New York?
Yes. There are 84 orthopedic surgeons in New York 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 York surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. O'brien 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. O'brien's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 27 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. O'brien's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. O'brien's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 41 procedures in 2013 and was 27 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. O'brien affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. O'brien is affiliated with Hospital For Special Surgery.
How does Dr. O'brien compare to other orthopedic surgeons in New York?
Among the 84 orthopedic surgeons in New York, Dr. O'brien ranks #60 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in New York has 320 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. O'brien practices?
Hospital For Special Surgery (5 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 New York, New York
Dr. O'brien's 27 Medicare procedures are below the New York average of 221. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in New York.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Amar Ranawat | 320 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Chalmers | 255 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jason Blevins | 239 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alexander McLawhorn | 238 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alberto Carli | 235 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Austin | 231 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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