Dr. Michael Stefl, MD
Contact & Location
515-239-4475
Ames, IA 50010
Dr. Stefl performs more knee replacement procedures than 97% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #2 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Stefl
Dr. Michael Stefl is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Stefl performed 143 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#2 in Iowa) and 99 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 242 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Stefl performs well above the state average in knee (143 vs 48), well above the state average in hip (99 vs 36).
Dr. Stefl's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (143 cases) and hip replacements (99 cases).
Ames is home to 6 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 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 33 to 242 in the most recent data, a 633% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Stefl's 143 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
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 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 16 | 17 |
| 2020 | 66 | 45 |
| 2021 | 93 | 70 |
| 2022 | 89 | 96 |
| 2023 | 99 | 109 |
| 2024 | 99 | 143 |
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. Stefl Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stefl's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 633% from 33 procedures in 2019 to 242 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Stefl
How does Dr. Stefl's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Stefl has performed 242 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stefl ranks #2 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stefl perform?
Dr. Stefl's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (143 cases) and hip replacement (99 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Stefl with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Stefl ranks #2 in Iowa for knee replacement with 143 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 105 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stefl in Ames?
Yes. There are 6 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 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. Stefl's total volume across all insurers at roughly 810 to 1,020 procedures against the 242 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. Stefl's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stefl's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 33 procedures in 2019 to 242 in the most recent data, a 633% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 242 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Stefl perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stefl's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (143 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, Greene County Medical Center, Story County Hospital, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital.
How does Dr. Stefl compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ames?
Among the 6 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); Greene County Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). 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 242 Medicare procedures are above the Ames average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Kohler | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Sneller | 70 | Knee |
| Dr. Betsey Bean | 24 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Bryan Warme | 22 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Greenwald | 16 | Knee |
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.