Dr. Andrea Stitgen Policano, M.D.
Contact & Location
319-247-3049
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Dr. Stitgen Policano performs more knee replacement procedures than 35% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #58 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Stitgen Policano
Practice. Dr. Andrea Stitgen Policano is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 28 knee replacements and 26 hip replacements, 54 procedures in all. That is #58 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2012.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2017 to 2024, 6 years. Volume rose from 11 procedures a year to 54, up 391%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Cedar Rapids has 12 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 11 |
| 2018 | 0 | 14 |
| 2019 | 0 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 13 |
| 2023 | 23 | 23 |
| 2024 | 26 | 28 |
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. Stitgen Policano Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stitgen Policano's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 391% from 11 procedures in 2017 to 54 in the most recent data.
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.
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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
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. Stitgen Policano
How does Dr. Stitgen Policano's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Stitgen Policano has performed 54 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Iowa average is 73 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Stitgen Policano ranks #58 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stitgen Policano perform?
Dr. Stitgen Policano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (26 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stitgen Policano in Cedar Rapids?
Yes. There are 12 orthopedic surgeons in Cedar Rapids 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 Iowa surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Stitgen Policano 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. Stitgen Policano's total volume across all insurers at roughly 180 to 230 procedures against the 54 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. Stitgen Policano's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stitgen Policano's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2017 to 54 in the most recent data, a 391% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 54 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Stitgen Policano perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stitgen Policano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (26 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stitgen Policano affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stitgen Policano is affiliated with St Lukes Hospital, Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids, Buchanan County Health Center, Regional Medical Center, Jones Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Stitgen Policano compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cedar Rapids?
Among the 12 orthopedic surgeons in Cedar Rapids, Dr. Stitgen Policano ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Cedar Rapids has 198 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stitgen Policano practices?
St Lukes Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Dr. Stitgen Policano's 54 Medicare procedures are below the Cedar Rapids average of 104. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cedar Rapids.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sandeep Munjal | 198 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Nassif | 139 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Cassandra Lange | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Omar Akhtar | 98 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kyle Switzer | 61 | Knee |
| Dr. John Hart | 56 | Knee, 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.