Dr. Stephen Howell, M.D.
Contact & Location
Sacramento, CA 95823
Dr. Stephen Howell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sacramento, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Howell has performed 147 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #21 in California.
In California, Dr. Howell performs well above average in knee (147 vs 47 avg).
Dr. Howell's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 147 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Howell holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Trauma, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Sacramento is home to 28 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Sacramento area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Howell's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 276 procedures in 2019 before settling at 147 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Howell's 147 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #187 nationally.
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. Howell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howell's recorded volume peaked at 276 procedures in 2019 and stood at 147 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 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-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.
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. Howell
How does Dr. Howell's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Howell has performed 147 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Howell ranks #72 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Howell perform?
Dr. Howell's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 147 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Howell in Sacramento?
Yes. There are 28 orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento 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 California surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Howell 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. Howell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 147 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Howell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Howell's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 276 procedures in 2019 and was 147 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. Howell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Howell is affiliated with Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, Sutter Amador Hospital, Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento.
How does Dr. Howell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento?
Among the 28 orthopedic surgeons in Sacramento, Dr. Howell ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Howell has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Howell practices?
Adventist Health Lodi Memorial (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Sutter Amador Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Sutter Roseville Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate above national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Sacramento, California
Dr. Howell's 147 Medicare procedures are above the Sacramento average of 89. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sacramento.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Meehan | 104 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mauro Giordani | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Tai | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Adam Taylor | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Samuel Hu | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Tweet | 63 | 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.