Dr. Joseph Stefko, M.D.
Contact & Location
330-758-0577
Youngstown, OH 44514
Warren, OH 44484
Dr. Stefko performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 18% of orthopedic surgeons in Ohio, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #82 of 100 ranked shoulder surgeons in Ohio.
About Dr. Stefko
Practice. Dr. Joseph Stefko is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Youngstown, Ohio. The latest annual CMS data records 14 shoulder replacements. That is #82 in Ohio for shoulder replacement. Dr. Stefko also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 10 years. Volume peaked at 25 in 2020 and stands at 14 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 2,217 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 14 procedures is below the national average of 29. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Youngstown 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 14 |
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 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Stefko Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Ohio state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stefko's recorded volume peaked at 25 procedures in 2020 and stood at 14 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Stefko
How does Dr. Stefko's procedure volume compare to other Ohio surgeons?
Dr. Stefko has performed 14 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Ohio average is 59 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Stefko ranks #327 out of 370 orthopedic surgeons in Ohio.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stefko perform?
Dr. Stefko's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 14 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stefko in Youngstown?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Youngstown 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 Ohio surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Stefko 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Stefko's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 14 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. Stefko's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Stefko's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 25 procedures in 2020 and was 14 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stefko affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stefko is affiliated with Surgical Hospital At Southwoods.
How does Dr. Stefko compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Youngstown?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Youngstown, Dr. Stefko ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Youngstown has 102 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stefko practices?
Surgical Hospital At Southwoods (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 Youngstown, Ohio
Dr. Stefko's 14 Medicare procedures are below the Youngstown average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Youngstown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Jamison | 102 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Karl Kuwik | 102 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Weimer | 94 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Stefancin | 90 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Joseph | 60 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tyler Ames | 17 | Hip |
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.