Dr. Bryce Braaksma, D.O.
Dr. Bryce Braaksma is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Braaksma has performed 123 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#20 in Pennsylvania) and 73 hip replacements, for a combined total of 196 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Braaksma performs well above average in knee (123 vs 45 avg), well above average in hip (73 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Braaksma's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (123 cases) and hip replacements (73 cases).
Pittsburgh is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pittsburgh area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Braaksma also maintains hospital privileges in SD and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Pennsylvania.
Medicare records for Dr. Braaksma extend back to 2020, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 76 to 196 in the most recent data, a 158% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Braaksma's 123 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Braaksma Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Braaksma's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 158% from 76 procedures in 2020 to 196 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 196 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Pennsylvania average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Braaksma ranks #14 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Braaksma perform?
Dr. Braaksma's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (123 cases) and hip replacement (73 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Braaksma with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Braaksma ranks #20 in Pennsylvania for knee replacement with 123 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 388 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
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 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. Braaksma's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 196 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Braaksma's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Braaksma's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 76 procedures in 2020 to 196 in the most recent data, a 158% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 196 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Braaksma perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Braaksma's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (123 cases), hip replacement (73 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 196 Medicare procedures are above the Pittsburgh average of 109. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pittsburgh.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Omalley | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Pagnotto | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Julius Huebner | 96 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Wilkie | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Klatt | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Sotereanos | 66 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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