Dr. Steven Wardell, M.D.
Contact & Location
708-361-0600
Palos Heights, IL 60463
About Dr. Wardell
Dr. Steven Wardell is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Palos Heights, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Wardell performed 69 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#61 in Illinois) and 33 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 102 procedures.
In Illinois, Dr. Wardell performs above the state average in knee (69 vs 50), near the state average in hip (33 vs 39).
Dr. Wardell's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (69 cases) and hip replacements (33 cases).
Palos Heights is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Palos Heights area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Wardell's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 102 to 137 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wardell's 69 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 46 | 74 |
| 2014 | 62 | 71 |
| 2015 | 61 | 56 |
| 2016 | 47 | 83 |
| 2017 | 55 | 64 |
| 2018 | 50 | 87 |
| 2019 | 51 | 83 |
| 2020 | 57 | 52 |
| 2021 | 46 | 69 |
| 2022 | 48 | 54 |
| 2023 | 43 | 85 |
| 2024 | 33 | 69 |
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. Wardell Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wardell's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 102 to 137 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
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.
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. Wardell
How does Dr. Wardell's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Wardell has performed 102 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Illinois average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wardell ranks #72 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wardell perform?
Dr. Wardell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (69 cases) and hip replacement (33 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wardell in Palos Heights?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Palos Heights 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 Illinois surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wardell 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. Wardell's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 102 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wardell's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wardell's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 102 to 137 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Wardell perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wardell's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (69 cases), hip replacement (33 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wardell affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wardell is affiliated with Uchicago Medicine Adventhealth La Grange, Palos Community Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital.
How does Dr. Wardell compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Palos Heights?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Palos Heights, Dr. Wardell ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Wardell has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wardell practices?
Uchicago Medicine Adventhealth La Grange (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Palos Community Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital (5 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 Palos Heights, Illinois
Dr. Wardell's 102 Medicare procedures are above the Palos Heights average of 44. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Palos Heights.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kevin Luke | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jamil Kendall | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Henry Fuentes | 32 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Bruce Dolitsky | 15 | Knee |
| Dr. Nirav Shah | 14 | 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.