Knee
Dr. Thomas Distefano, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Distefano is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cheraw, South Carolina. Dr. Distefano has performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #97 in South Carolina.
In South Carolina, Dr. Distefano performs below average in knee (19 vs 57 avg).
Dr. Distefano's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 19 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Dr. Distefano is the only orthopedic surgeon in Cheraw represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Distefano's Medicare data spans 10 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2015 before settling at 19 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Distefano's 19 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Distefano Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Contact & Location
Cheraw, SC 29520
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Distefano's recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2015 and stood at 19 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 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Distefano
How does Dr. Distefano's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Distefano has performed 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Carolina average is 78 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Distefano ranks #125 out of 151 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Distefano perform?
Dr. Distefano's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Distefano's practice located?
Dr. Distefano practices in Cheraw, South Carolina. The office is located at 710 Chesterfield Hwy, Cheraw, SC 29520. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Distefano for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Distefano 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. Distefano's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 19 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Distefano's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Distefano's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2015 and was 19 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. Distefano affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Distefano is affiliated with Yuma Regional Medical Center. Dr. Distefano maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Distefano practices?
Yuma Regional Medical Center (2 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.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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