Knee
Dr. Stephen Howell, M.D.
Dr. Stephen Howell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Sacramento, California. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Howell has performed 220 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #7 in California.
In California, Dr. Howell performs well above average in knee (220 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Howell's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 220 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 31 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 record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 186 to 276 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Howell's 220 verified procedures is more than 4x the national average of 45, ranking #43 nationally.
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.
Contact & Location
Sacramento, CA 95823
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Howell's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 186 to 276 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 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 220 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the California average of 65 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Howell ranks #24 out of 608 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 220 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Howell with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Howell ranks #7 in California for knee replacement with 220 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 608 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Howell in Sacramento?
Yes. There are 31 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 220 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Howell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Howell's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 186 to 276 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
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 31 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 220 Medicare procedures are above the Sacramento average of 114. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Sacramento.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Alexander Nedopil | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mauro Giordani | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Meehan | 95 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gavin Pereira | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Parker Goodell | 83 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Tai | 75 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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