Dr. Stephen Tower, MD
Contact & Location
Anchorage, AK 99508
Dr. Stephen Tower is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Anchorage, Alaska. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Tower has performed 17 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#9 in Alaska) and 12 knee replacements, for a combined total of 29 procedures.
In Alaska, Dr. Tower performs below average in hip (17 vs 27 avg), below average in knee (12 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Tower's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (17 cases) and knee replacements (12 cases).
Anchorage is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Anchorage area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Tower's Medicare record spans 10 years from 2014 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 17 to 42 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Tower's 17 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Tower Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alaska state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Tower's procedure volume has been consistent across 10 years of Medicare data, ranging from 17 to 42 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Tower
How does Dr. Tower's procedure volume compare to other Alaska surgeons?
Dr. Tower has performed 29 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alaska average is 52 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Tower ranks #17 out of 27 orthopedic surgeons in Alaska.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Tower perform?
Dr. Tower's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (17 cases) and knee replacement (12 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Tower with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Tower ranks #9 in Alaska for hip replacement with 17 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 27 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Tower in Anchorage?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage 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 Alaska surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Tower 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. Tower's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 29 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Tower's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Tower's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 10 years of Medicare data, ranging from 17 to 42 procedures per year between 2014 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Tower perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Tower's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (17 cases), knee replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Tower affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Tower is affiliated with Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska Regional Hospital, South Peninsula Hospital.
How does Dr. Tower compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage, Dr. Tower ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Anchorage has 187 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Tower practices?
Providence Alaska Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Alaska Regional Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); South Peninsula Hospital (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 Anchorage, Alaska
Dr. Tower's 29 Medicare procedures are below the Anchorage average of 93. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Anchorage.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Prevost | 187 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tucker Drury | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Paynter | 110 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Ian Brimhall | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Sparks | 64 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Elisha Powell | 56 | 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.