Dr. Kim Stearns, M.D.
Dr. Kim Stearns is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cleveland, Ohio. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Stearns has performed 91 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#24 in Ohio) and 50 hip replacements, for a combined total of 141 procedures.
In Ohio, Dr. Stearns performs well above average in knee (91 vs 40 avg), above average in hip (50 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Stearns's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (91 cases) and hip replacements (50 cases).
Cleveland is home to 43 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cleveland area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Stearns extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 38 to 141 in the most recent data, a 271% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Stearns's 91 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Stearns Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Ohio state average.
Contact & Location
Cleveland, OH 44113
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stearns's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 271% from 38 procedures in 2013 to 141 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.
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 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. Stearns
How does Dr. Stearns's procedure volume compare to other Ohio surgeons?
Dr. Stearns has performed 141 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Ohio average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stearns ranks #25 out of 378 orthopedic surgeons in Ohio.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stearns perform?
Dr. Stearns's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (91 cases) and hip replacement (50 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stearns in Cleveland?
Yes. There are 43 orthopedic surgeons in Cleveland 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. Stearns 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. Stearns's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 141 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Stearns's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stearns's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 38 procedures in 2013 to 141 in the most recent data, a 271% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 162 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Stearns perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stearns's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (91 cases), hip replacement (50 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stearns affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stearns is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic, Lutheran Hospital, Fairview Hospital, Magruder Hospital, Medina Hospital.
How does Dr. Stearns compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cleveland?
Among the 43 orthopedic surgeons in Cleveland, Dr. Stearns ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Cleveland has 214 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stearns practices?
Cleveland Clinic (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lutheran Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Fairview Hospital (5 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 Cleveland, Ohio
Dr. Stearns's 141 Medicare procedures are below the Cleveland average of 152. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cleveland.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Bloomfield | 214 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Molloy | 175 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Trevor Murray | 167 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Eric Ricchetti | 135 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Fitzgerald | 119 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John McLaughlin | 114 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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