Dr. Andrea Stitgen Policano, M.D.
Dr. Andrea Stitgen Policano is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Stitgen Policano has performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#81 in Iowa) and 23 hip replacements, for a combined total of 46 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Stitgen Policano performs below average in knee (23 vs 50 avg), below average in hip (23 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Stitgen Policano's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (23 cases) and hip replacements (23 cases).
Cedar Rapids is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cedar Rapids area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Stitgen Policano extend back to 2017, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 46 in the most recent data, a 318% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Stitgen Policano's 23 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 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. Stitgen Policano Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stitgen Policano's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 318% from 11 procedures in 2017 to 46 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip 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 46 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 #75 out of 114 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 (23 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stitgen Policano in Cedar Rapids?
Yes. There are 13 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 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. Stitgen Policano's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 46 procedures shown here.
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 46 in the most recent data, a 318% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 46 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Stitgen Policano perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stitgen Policano's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), hip replacement (23 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, Regional Medical Center, Buchanan County Health Center, Virginia Gay Hospital.
How does Dr. Stitgen Policano compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cedar Rapids?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Cedar Rapids, Dr. Stitgen Policano ranks #8 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Cedar Rapids has 214 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 46 Medicare procedures are below the Cedar Rapids average of 105. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cedar Rapids.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Sandeep Munjal | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Nassif | 140 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Cassandra Lange | 103 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Omar Akhtar | 98 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Demik | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Hart | 62 | Knee, Shoulder |
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