Dr. Stephen Whitfield, M.D.
Contact & Location
304-253-1077
Beckley, WV 25801
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Dr. Whitfield performs more knee replacement procedures than 78% of orthopedic surgeons in West Virginia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #8 of 37 ranked knee surgeons in West Virginia.
About Dr. Whitfield
Practice. Dr. Stephen Whitfield is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Beckley, West Virginia. The latest annual CMS data records 59 knee replacements, 25 hip replacements, and 12 shoulder replacements, 96 procedures in all. That is #8 in West Virginia for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 80 procedures a year to 96, up 20%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 59 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Beckley has 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist. Dr. Whitfield also holds hospital privileges in VA and WV, a practice that extends beyond West Virginia.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 21 | 59 | 0 |
| 2014 | 15 | 31 | 0 |
| 2015 | 23 | 46 | 0 |
| 2016 | 23 | 69 | 0 |
| 2017 | 17 | 54 | 0 |
| 2018 | 14 | 53 | 0 |
| 2019 | 22 | 44 | 0 |
| 2020 | 13 | 37 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 30 | 0 |
| 2022 | 21 | 38 | 0 |
| 2023 | 29 | 36 | 0 |
| 2024 | 25 | 59 | 12 |
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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. 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 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Whitfield's total volume across all insurers at roughly 320 to 400 procedures against the 96 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. 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, Lewisgale Hospital Pulaski, Raleigh General Hospital, 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); Lewisgale Hospital Pulaski (3 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.