Dr. Steven Hale, M.D.
Contact & Location
Lake Charles, LA 70605
Dr. Steven Hale is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Hale has performed 66 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#14 in Louisiana) and 40 hip replacements, for a combined total of 106 procedures.
In Louisiana, Dr. Hale performs above average in knee (66 vs 41 avg), above average in hip (40 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Hale's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (66 cases) and hip replacements (40 cases).
Lake Charles is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Lake Charles area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Hale extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 19 to 106 in the most recent data, a 458% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hale's 66 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Hale Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Louisiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hale's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 458% from 19 procedures in 2013 to 106 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.
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.
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. Hale
How does Dr. Hale's procedure volume compare to other Louisiana surgeons?
Dr. Hale has performed 106 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Louisiana average of 54 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hale ranks #11 out of 104 orthopedic surgeons in Louisiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hale perform?
Dr. Hale's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases) and hip replacement (40 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Hale with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Hale ranks #14 in Louisiana for knee replacement with 66 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 104 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hale in Lake Charles?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles 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 Louisiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hale 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. Hale's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 106 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hale's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Hale's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 19 procedures in 2013 to 106 in the most recent data, a 458% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 114 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Hale perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hale's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases), hip replacement (40 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hale affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hale is affiliated with Christus Ochsner St Patrick Hospital, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.
How does Dr. Hale compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Lake Charles, Dr. Hale ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hale has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hale practices?
Christus Ochsner St Patrick Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (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 Lake Charles, Louisiana
Dr. Hale's 106 Medicare procedures are above the Lake Charles average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Lake Charles.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nathan Cohen | 87 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Garitty | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Foret | 75 | Knee |
| Dr. Charles Hansen | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. George Trappey | 37 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Hinton | 33 | Hip, 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.