Dr. Steven Smith, M.D.
Contact & Location
707-525-4003
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Dr. Smith performs more knee replacement procedures than 58% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #206 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Smith
Dr. Steven Smith is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Santa Rosa, California. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Smith performed 37 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#206 in California) and 18 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 55 procedures.
In California, Dr. Smith performs below the state average in knee (37 vs 47), below the state average in hip (18 vs 41).
Dr. Smith's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (37 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Smith holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Santa Rosa is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Santa Rosa area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Smith's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2021 before settling at 55 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smith's 37 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 35 |
| 2014 | 18 | 34 |
| 2015 | 27 | 60 |
| 2016 | 15 | 58 |
| 2017 | 28 | 51 |
| 2018 | 26 | 53 |
| 2019 | 40 | 53 |
| 2020 | 32 | 50 |
| 2021 | 41 | 56 |
| 2022 | 27 | 57 |
| 2023 | 25 | 33 |
| 2024 | 18 | 37 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Smith Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smith's recorded volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2021 and stood at 55 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
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. Smith
How does Dr. Smith's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Smith has performed 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the California average of 68 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Smith ranks #249 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smith perform?
Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smith in Santa Rosa?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Rosa 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. Smith represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Smith's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 230 procedures against the 55 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Smith's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smith's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 97 procedures in 2021 and was 55 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.
Does Dr. Smith perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smith's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Smith compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Santa Rosa?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Santa Rosa, Dr. Smith ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Santa Rosa has 180 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Santa Rosa, California
Dr. Smith's 55 Medicare procedures are below the Santa Rosa average of 88. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Santa Rosa.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Mulvihill | 180 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kevin Howe | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Stein | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kent Yinger | 55 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Jacob Zipperstein | 48 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Neema Pourtaheri | 38 | 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.