Dr. Stephen Fern, M.D.
Contact & Location
812-242-3005
Terre Haute, IN 47804
Dr. Fern performs more knee replacement procedures than 91% of orthopedic surgeons in Indiana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #16 of 188 ranked knee surgeons in Indiana.
About Dr. Fern
Practice. Dr. Stephen Fern is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Terre Haute, Indiana. The latest annual CMS data records 78 knee replacements and 42 hip replacements, 120 procedures in all. That is #16 in Indiana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 54 procedures a year to 120, up 122%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 78 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Terre Haute has 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Fern also holds hospital privileges in IN and IL, a practice that extends beyond Indiana.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 35 | 19 |
| 2014 | 26 | 28 |
| 2015 | 31 | 33 |
| 2016 | 21 | 38 |
| 2017 | 27 | 47 |
| 2018 | 35 | 46 |
| 2019 | 32 | 62 |
| 2020 | 37 | 47 |
| 2021 | 35 | 38 |
| 2022 | 38 | 58 |
| 2023 | 52 | 101 |
| 2024 | 42 | 78 |
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. Fern Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Fern's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 122% from 54 procedures in 2013 to 120 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.
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. Fern
How does Dr. Fern's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Fern has performed 120 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Indiana average of 60 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Fern ranks #21 out of 224 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Fern perform?
Dr. Fern's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (78 cases) and hip replacement (42 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Fern with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Fern ranks #16 in Indiana for knee replacement with 78 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 224 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Fern in Terre Haute?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Terre Haute 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 Indiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Fern 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. Fern's total volume across all insurers at roughly 410 to 510 procedures against the 120 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. Fern's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Fern's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 54 procedures in 2013 to 120 in the most recent data, a 122% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 153 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Fern perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Fern's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (78 cases), hip replacement (42 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Fern affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Fern is affiliated with Union Hospital Inc, Union Hospital Clinton, Paris Community Hospital, Ascension St Vincent Clay, Sullivan County Community Hospital. Dr. Fern maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Fern compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Terre Haute?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Terre Haute, Dr. Fern ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Fern has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Fern practices?
Union Hospital Inc (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Union Hospital Clinton (3 out of 5 CMS stars); Paris Community Hospital (2 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 Terre Haute, Indiana
Dr. Fern's 120 Medicare procedures are above the Terre Haute average of 85. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Terre Haute.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Carlos Belmar | 97 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Sameer Bavishi | 37 | 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.