Dr. Stephen Benz, M.D.
Contact & Location
Saint Louis, MO 63128
Dr. Stephen Benz is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Louis, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Benz has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#92 in Missouri) and 13 hip replacements, for a combined total of 40 procedures.
In Missouri, Dr. Benz performs below average in knee (27 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Benz's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and hip replacements (13 cases).
Saint Louis is home to 57 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Saint Louis area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Benz extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 18 to 40 in the most recent data, a 122% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Benz's 27 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Benz Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Benz's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 122% from 18 procedures in 2013 to 40 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Benz
How does Dr. Benz's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Benz has performed 40 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Missouri average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Benz ranks #109 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Benz perform?
Dr. Benz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (13 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Benz in Saint Louis?
Yes. There are 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Benz 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. Benz's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 40 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Benz's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Benz's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2013 to 40 in the most recent data, a 122% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 47 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Benz perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Benz's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases), hip replacement (13 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Benz affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Benz is affiliated with Mercy Hospital South, Mercy Hospital St Louis.
How does Dr. Benz compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis?
Among the 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis, Dr. Benz ranks #33 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saint Louis has 279 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Benz practices?
Mercy Hospital South (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercy Hospital St Louis (3 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 Saint Louis, Missouri
Dr. Benz's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Louis average of 147. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Louis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ryan Nunley | 279 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Palmer | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Hubbard | 144 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Coles L'hommedieu | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ilya Bendich | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Mudd | 132 | 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.