Dr. Bryce Braaksma, D.O.
Contact & Location
708-747-4000
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Dr. Braaksma performs more knee replacement procedures than 92% of orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #22 of 308 ranked knee surgeons in Pennsylvania.
About Dr. Braaksma
Practice. Dr. Bryce Braaksma is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The latest annual CMS data records 120 knee replacements and 83 hip replacements, 203 procedures in all. That is #22 in Pennsylvania for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2013.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2020 to 2024, 5 years. Volume rose from 76 procedures a year to 203, up 167%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 120 procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Local context. Pittsburgh has 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Braaksma also holds hospital privileges in SD and IA, a practice that extends beyond Pennsylvania.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 36 | 40 |
| 2021 | 47 | 63 |
| 2022 | 72 | 106 |
| 2023 | 73 | 123 |
| 2024 | 83 | 120 |
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. Braaksma Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Braaksma's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 167% from 76 procedures in 2020 to 203 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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Braaksma
How does Dr. Braaksma's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Braaksma has performed 203 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Pennsylvania average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Braaksma ranks #15 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Braaksma perform?
Dr. Braaksma's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (120 cases) and hip replacement (83 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Braaksma in Pittsburgh?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Braaksma 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. Braaksma's total volume across all insurers at roughly 680 to 850 procedures against the 203 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. Braaksma's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Braaksma's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 76 procedures in 2020 to 203 in the most recent data, a 167% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 203 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Braaksma perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Braaksma's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (120 cases), hip replacement (83 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Braaksma affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Braaksma is affiliated with Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center, Sioux Center Health, Osceola Community Hospital, Lakes Regional Healthcare, Hegg Memorial Health Center. Dr. Braaksma maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Braaksma compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in Pittsburgh, Dr. Braaksma ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Braaksma has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Braaksma practices?
Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sioux Center Health (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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Braaksma's 203 Medicare procedures are above the Pittsburgh average of 112. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pittsburgh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Omalley | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Pagnotto | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julius Huebner | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Yram Groff | 76 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Yakish | 75 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Diamond | 72 | 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.