Dr. Steven Fischer, M.D.
Contact & Location
406-238-2500
Billings, MT 59101
Dr. Fischer performs more knee replacement procedures than 58% of orthopedic surgeons in Montana, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #12 of 29 ranked knee surgeons in Montana.
About Dr. Fischer
Practice. Dr. Steven Fischer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Billings, Montana. The latest annual CMS data records 66 knee replacements and 52 hip replacements, 118 procedures in all. That is #12 in Montana for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 73 procedures a year to 118, up 62%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 66 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Billings has 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 31 | 42 |
| 2014 | 27 | 35 |
| 2015 | 36 | 32 |
| 2016 | 25 | 57 |
| 2017 | 25 | 56 |
| 2018 | 43 | 52 |
| 2019 | 46 | 69 |
| 2020 | 48 | 49 |
| 2021 | 46 | 74 |
| 2022 | 53 | 72 |
| 2023 | 46 | 71 |
| 2024 | 52 | 66 |
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. Fischer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Montana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Fischer's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 62% from 73 procedures in 2013 to 118 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Fischer
How does Dr. Fischer's procedure volume compare to other Montana surgeons?
Dr. Fischer has performed 118 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Montana average of 81 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Fischer ranks #11 out of 39 orthopedic surgeons in Montana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Fischer perform?
Dr. Fischer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases) and hip replacement (52 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Fischer with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Fischer ranks #12 in Montana for knee replacement with 66 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 39 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Fischer in Billings?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Billings 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 Montana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Fischer 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. Fischer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 390 to 490 procedures against the 118 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. Fischer's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Fischer's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 73 procedures in 2013 to 118 in the most recent data, a 62% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 125 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Fischer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Fischer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases), hip replacement (52 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Fischer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Fischer is affiliated with Billings Clinic Hospital, Stillwater Billings Clinic, Beartooth Billings Clinic, Pioneer Medical Center, Roundup Memorial Healthcare.
How does Dr. Fischer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Billings?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Billings, Dr. Fischer ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Fischer is among the highest-volume surgeons in Billings.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Fischer practices?
Billings Clinic 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 Billings, Montana
Dr. Fischer's 118 Medicare procedures are below the Billings average of 127. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Billings.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Groover | 255 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Zachary Scheer | 246 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Kopplin | 116 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Klepps | 105 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Guy Schmidt | 29 | Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Owen | 20 | 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.