Dr. Stephen Longenecker, MD
Contact & Location
484-628-2663
West Reading, PA 19611
Dr. Longenecker performs more knee replacement procedures than 97% of orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #9 of 308 ranked knee surgeons in Pennsylvania.
About Dr. Longenecker
Dr. Stephen Longenecker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in West Reading, Pennsylvania. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Longenecker performed 158 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#9 in Pennsylvania) and 80 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 238 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Longenecker performs well above the state average in knee (158 vs 47), well above the state average in hip (80 vs 37).
Dr. Longenecker's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (158 cases) and hip replacements (80 cases).
West Reading is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the West Reading area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Longenecker extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 192 to 238 in the most recent data, a 24% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Longenecker's 158 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #145 nationally.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 46 | 146 |
| 2014 | 69 | 165 |
| 2015 | 54 | 164 |
| 2016 | 59 | 212 |
| 2017 | 86 | 231 |
| 2018 | 86 | 216 |
| 2019 | 97 | 197 |
| 2020 | 76 | 131 |
| 2021 | 84 | 154 |
| 2022 | 65 | 158 |
| 2023 | 65 | 160 |
| 2024 | 80 | 158 |
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. Longenecker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Longenecker's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 24% from 192 procedures in 2013 to 238 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Longenecker
How does Dr. Longenecker's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Longenecker has performed 238 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Pennsylvania average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Longenecker ranks #8 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Longenecker perform?
Dr. Longenecker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (158 cases) and hip replacement (80 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Longenecker with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Longenecker ranks #9 in Pennsylvania for knee replacement with 158 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 376 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Longenecker in West Reading?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in West Reading 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Longenecker 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. Longenecker's total volume across all insurers at roughly 810 to 1,010 procedures against the 238 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. Longenecker's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Longenecker's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 192 procedures in 2013 to 238 in the most recent data, a 24% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 317 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Longenecker perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Longenecker's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (158 cases), hip replacement (80 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Longenecker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Longenecker is affiliated with Reading Hospital, Surgical Institute Of Reading, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, St Luke'S Hospital Bethlehem, St Luke'S Hospital - Carbon Campus.
How does Dr. Longenecker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in West Reading?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in West Reading, Dr. Longenecker ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Longenecker has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Longenecker practices?
Reading Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Surgical Institute Of Reading (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill (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 West Reading, Pennsylvania
Dr. Longenecker's 238 Medicare procedures are above the West Reading average of 116. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in West Reading.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eric Slotkin | 193 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kenneth McAlpine | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Stapinski | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Michels | 32 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig O'neill | 28 | 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.