Shoulder
Dr. Steven Ward, DO
Dr. Steven Ward is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tucson, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Ward has performed 14 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #49 in Arizona.
In Arizona, Dr. Ward performs below average in shoulder (14 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Ward's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 14 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Tucson is home to 27 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Tucson area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Ward first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Ward's 14 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 28 among 2,092 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Ward Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Contact & Location
Tucson, AZ 85704
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Ward
How does Dr. Ward's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Ward has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Arizona average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Ward ranks #174 out of 193 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Ward perform?
Dr. Ward's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Ward in Tucson?
Yes. There are 27 orthopedic surgeons in Tucson 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 Arizona surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Ward 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. Ward's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 14 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Ward affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Ward is affiliated with Oro Valley Hospital, Northwest Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita.
How does Dr. Ward compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Tucson?
Among the 27 orthopedic surgeons in Tucson, Dr. Ward ranks #24 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Tucson has 229 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Ward practices?
Oro Valley Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwest Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita (3 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 Tucson, Arizona
Dr. Ward's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Tucson average of 142. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Tucson.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Russell Cohen | 229 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Maltry | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Wild | 178 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Miller | 158 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Chad Hills | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Dixon | 114 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.