Dr. Richard Steffen, MD
Contact & Location
San Antonio, TX 78240
Dr. Richard Steffen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in San Antonio, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Steffen has performed 70 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#71 in Texas) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 87 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Steffen performs above average in knee (70 vs 42 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Steffen's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 80% of reported Medicare volume.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Steffen holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
San Antonio is home to 41 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the San Antonio area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Steffen's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 164 procedures in 2017 before settling at 87 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Steffen's 70 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Steffen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Steffen's recorded volume peaked at 164 procedures in 2017 and stood at 87 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Steffen
How does Dr. Steffen's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Steffen has performed 87 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Steffen ranks #108 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Steffen perform?
Dr. Steffen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (70 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Steffen in San Antonio?
Yes. There are 41 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Steffen 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. Steffen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 87 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Steffen's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Steffen's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 164 procedures in 2017 and was 87 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.
Does Dr. Steffen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Steffen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (70 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Steffen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Steffen is affiliated with Legent Orthopedic + Spine, Methodist Hospital.
How does Dr. Steffen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio?
Among the 41 orthopedic surgeons in San Antonio, Dr. Steffen ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in San Antonio has 383 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Steffen practices?
Legent Orthopedic + Spine (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Methodist Hospital (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 San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Steffen's 87 Medicare procedures are below the San Antonio average of 191. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in San Antonio.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Phelps | 383 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Bryan Kaiser | 235 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Ursone | 191 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Casey Taber | 172 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Girling | 155 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew Morrey | 116 | Hip, Knee |
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.