Dr. Stephanie Baker, M.D.
Contact & Location
Harlingen, TX 78550
Dr. Stephanie Baker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Harlingen, Texas. Dr. Baker has performed 12 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #470 in Texas.
In Texas, Dr. Baker performs below average in knee (12 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Baker's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 12 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.
Harlingen is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Harlingen area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Baker first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Baker's 12 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Baker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Baker has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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. Baker
How does Dr. Baker's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Baker has performed 12 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 57 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Baker ranks #561 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Baker perform?
Dr. Baker's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 12 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Baker in Harlingen?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Harlingen 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. Baker 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. Baker's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 12 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Baker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Baker is affiliated with Harlingen Medical Center.
How does Dr. Baker compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Harlingen?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Harlingen, Dr. Baker ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Baker is among the highest-volume surgeons in Harlingen.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Baker practices?
Harlingen Medical Center (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 Harlingen, Texas
Dr. Baker's 12 Medicare procedures are below the Harlingen average of 22. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Harlingen.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rick Bassett | 35 | Knee |
| Dr. Joseph Horton | 19 | 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.