Dr. Michael Vrana, MD
Contact & Location
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Dr. Michael Vrana is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in New Braunfels, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Vrana has performed 44 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#141 in Texas) and 19 hip replacements, for a combined total of 63 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Vrana performs near average in knee (44 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (19 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Vrana's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (44 cases) and hip replacements (19 cases).
New Braunfels is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the New Braunfels area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Vrana extend back to 2014, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 29 to 63 in the most recent data, a 117% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Vrana's 44 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Vrana Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Vrana's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 117% from 29 procedures in 2014 to 63 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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Vrana
How does Dr. Vrana's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Vrana has performed 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Vrana ranks #169 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Vrana perform?
Dr. Vrana's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Vrana in New Braunfels?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in New Braunfels 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Vrana 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. Vrana's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 63 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Vrana's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Vrana's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 29 procedures in 2014 to 63 in the most recent data, a 117% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 69 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Vrana perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Vrana's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases), hip replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Vrana affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Vrana is affiliated with Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos, Lavaca Medical Center, Yoakum Community Hospital, Children'S Hospital Of San Antonio.
How does Dr. Vrana compare to other orthopedic surgeons in New Braunfels?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in New Braunfels, Dr. Vrana ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in New Braunfels has 130 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Vrana practices?
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos (4 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 New Braunfels, Texas
Dr. Vrana's 63 Medicare procedures are below the New Braunfels average of 74. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in New Braunfels.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Creighton Tubb | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Templin | 73 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Trent Twitero | 71 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. David Starch | 35 | 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.