Dr. Stephen Whitfield, M.D.
Contact & Location
Beckley, WV 25801
Dr. Stephen Whitfield is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Beckley, West Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Whitfield has completed 59 knee replacements (#8 in West Virginia), 25 hip replacements, and 12 shoulder replacements, totaling 96 Medicare-verified procedures.
In West Virginia, Dr. Whitfield performs above average in knee (59 vs 41 avg), near average in hip (25 vs 28 avg), below average in shoulder (12 vs 22 avg).
Dr. Whitfield performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (59 cases), followed by hip replacements (25) and shoulder replacements (12).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Whitfield holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Beckley is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Beckley area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Whitfield also maintains hospital privileges in VA and WV, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond West Virginia.
Medicare records for Dr. Whitfield extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 80 to 96 in the most recent data, a 20% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Whitfield's 59 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. Whitfield Compares
Procedure volume compared to the West Virginia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whitfield's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 20% from 80 procedures in 2013 to 96 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. Whitfield
How does Dr. Whitfield's procedure volume compare to other West Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Whitfield has performed 96 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the West Virginia average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Whitfield ranks #8 out of 45 orthopedic surgeons in West Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whitfield perform?
Dr. Whitfield performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (59 cases), hip replacement (25 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Whitfield with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Whitfield ranks #8 in West Virginia for knee replacement with 59 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 45 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whitfield in Beckley?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Beckley 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 West Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Whitfield 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. Whitfield's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 96 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Whitfield's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whitfield's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 80 procedures in 2013 to 96 in the most recent data, a 20% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 96 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Whitfield perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Whitfield's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases), hip replacement (25 cases), shoulder replacement (12 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Whitfield among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Whitfield affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whitfield is affiliated with Lewisgale Hospital Montgomery, Camc Plateau Medical Center, Inc, Raleigh General Hospital, Lewisgale Hospital Pulaski, Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital. Dr. Whitfield maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Whitfield practices?
Lewisgale Hospital Montgomery (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Camc Plateau Medical Center, Inc (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Raleigh General Hospital (1 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Beckley, West Virginia
Dr. Whitfield's 96 Medicare procedures are above the Beckley average of 59. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Beckley.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Tabit | 21 | 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.