#1 Hip
#8 Knee

Dr. Michael Stefl, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
208 procedures 2 hospitals Ames, IA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Volume Leader Rising Star Top 10% Nationally
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 99 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 109 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Michael Stefl is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Stefl has performed 109 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#8 in Iowa) and 99 hip replacements, for a combined total of 208 procedures.

In Iowa, Dr. Stefl performs well above average in knee (109 vs 50 avg), well above average in hip (99 vs 35 avg).

Dr. Stefl's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (109 cases) and hip replacements (99 cases).

Ames is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Ames area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Stefl extend back to 2019, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 33 to 208 in the most recent data, a 530% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Stefl's 109 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
109 verified cases
#8 in Iowa
Hip Replacement
99 verified cases
#1 in Iowa
Estimated total: 560 – 630 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Stefl Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.

Hip Very High
99 Avg: 35
Knee Very High
109 Avg: 50
Dr. Stefl Iowa Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 515-239-4475
1215 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
NPI: 1275943334
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
12 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Stefl's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 530% from 33 procedures in 2019 to 208 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 5
2023 Volume 208
Peak Volume 208 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Mary Greeley Medical Center
★★★★☆
Ames, IA
Similar to national avg
H
Boone County Hospital
Boone, IA

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Stefl

How does Dr. Stefl's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?

Dr. Stefl has performed 208 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stefl ranks #4 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stefl perform?

Dr. Stefl's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (109 cases) and hip replacement (99 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Stefl with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Stefl ranks #8 in Iowa for knee replacement with 109 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stefl in Ames?

Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Ames 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. Stefl 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. Stefl's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 208 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Stefl's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Stefl's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 33 procedures in 2019 to 208 in the most recent data, a 530% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 208 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Stefl perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Stefl's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (109 cases), hip replacement (99 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Stefl affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stefl is affiliated with Mary Greeley Medical Center, Boone County Hospital.

How does Dr. Stefl compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ames?

Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Ames, Dr. Stefl ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Stefl has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stefl practices?

Mary Greeley Medical Center (4 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 Ames, Iowa

Dr. Stefl's 208 Medicare procedures are above the Ames average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. David Sneller 68 Knee
Dr. James Kohler 41 Hip, Knee
Dr. Thomas Greenwald 27 Knee
Dr. Bryan Warme 13 Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Michael Stefl, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-michael-stefl-ames.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-michael-stefl-ames.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.