Dr. Adam Schaaf, M.D.
Contact & Location
843-797-5050
North Charleston, SC 29406
Dr. Schaaf performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 39% of orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #32 of 53 ranked shoulder surgeons in South Carolina.
About Dr. Schaaf
Practice. Dr. Adam Schaaf is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in North Charleston, South Carolina. The latest annual CMS data records 17 shoulder replacements. That is #32 in South Carolina for shoulder replacement. Dr. Schaaf also holds credentials in Sports Medicine.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 10 years. Volume peaked at 30 in 2016 and stands at 17 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 17 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. North Charleston has 2 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 17 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Schaaf Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
See the Top 25 shoulder replacement surgeons in South Carolina
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schaaf's recorded volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2016 and stood at 17 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Schaaf
How does Dr. Schaaf's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Schaaf has performed 17 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 76 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Schaaf ranks #131 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schaaf perform?
Dr. Schaaf's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 17 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schaaf in North Charleston?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in North Charleston 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 South Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Schaaf 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Schaaf's total volume across all insurers at roughly 50 to 60 procedures against the 17 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. Schaaf's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Schaaf's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 30 procedures in 2016 and was 17 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. Schaaf affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schaaf is affiliated with Trident Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schaaf practices?
Trident Medical Center (3 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 North Charleston, South Carolina
Dr. Schaaf's 17 Medicare procedures are below the North Charleston average of 103. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in North Charleston.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Richard Zimlich | 188 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
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.