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Department Orthopaedic Surgery
Primary Location Lutheran Hospital
Type of Doctor Both Adults and Children & Adolescents
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Lutheran Hospital
Primary Location

Lutheran Hospital

Appointment:
216.363.2222
Desk:
216.363.5772
Fax:
216.771.5873
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Arthroscopy
  • Center for Pediatric Sports Health
  • Fracture Care
  • General Orthopaedics
  • Joint Reconstruction
  • Joint Replacement
  • Knee Arthroscopy
  • Knee Ligament Reconstruction
  • Knee Replacement
  • Knee Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Orthopaedics
  • Partial Knee Replacement
  • Robotic Assisted Hip Replacement
  • Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement
  • Robotic Assisted Partial Knee Replacement
  • Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery
  • Shoulder Instability Repairs
  • Shoulder Surgery
  • Sports Medicine
  • Surgical Treatment of Arthritis of the Hip
  • Surgical Treatment of Arthritis of the Knee
View all 24 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Ankle Instability
  • Arthritis
  • Arthritis of the Knee
  • Hip Pain
  • Knee Injuries
  • Knee Pain
  • Patellofemoral Instability
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Shoulder Problems
  • Sports Injuries
View all 10 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About Kim L. Stearns, MD

Kim L. Stearns M.D. is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. He specializes in Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstruction. Dr. Stearns is a 1985 graduate of Northeast Ohio Medical University. He has been employed by the Cleveland Clinic since 2006. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

Dr. Stearns is a Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the Cleveland Indians and Head Team Physician for the Lake County Captains. He is a consultant for the World Wrestling Entertainment, Cleveland Playhouse, Live Nation Entertainment and the Rockettes. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anatomy at Northeast Ohio Medical University as well as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1991

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - University of California San Diego Medical Center
Adult Reconstructive Surgery/Hip Replacement
San Diego, CA
1991

Residency - Cleveland Clinic
Orthopaedic Surgery
Cleveland, OH
1990

Residency - St. Vincent Charity Medical Center
Orthopaedic Surgery
Cleveland, OH
1990

Internship - Cleveland Clinic
General Surgery
Cleveland, OH
1986

Medical Education - Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
MD
Rootstown, OH
1985

Certifications

  • Orthopaedic Surgery

Specialty Interests

Joint Replacement of the hip and knee, reconstructive surgery of the knee, arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder; sports medicine

Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Kim L. Stearns, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 7/12/2024, Dr. Stearns has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Stearns receives fees of $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) as a paid consultant, speaker or as a member of an advisory committee for the following companies:

  • Mölnlycke Health Care

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

767 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.7 out of 5
Explains 4.6
Listens 4.6
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.7
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.7

116 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024

Dr. Kim Stearns is a consummate professional. Very quick but brilliant.

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024

Again, nothing negative to say other than confusion with first surgery having to be rescheduled.. l

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024

I am still under Dr. Stearns care. The surgery has changed my life for the better no doubt. I will always be grateful for Dr. Stearns and his staff.

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2024

I'm glad my follow up was changed to Dr.Stearns.....fabulous doctor!

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2024

Dr.Stearns is a great dr. I highly recommend him!

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2024

Dr Stearns is excellent.

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

Dr Stearns is a great surgeon I have had both knees done and my left hip and I am extremely pleased with his work.

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

Dr Sterns has s a great Dr.

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

Dr. Stearns appropriately did not offer treatment options until after the MRI. He also gave me no time to ask anything about my condition.

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

Dr. Kim Sterns is the best orthopedic specialist with Cleveland Clinic

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

I am very impressed with all my visits and communication with Dr Stearns and his entire staff. They are amazing.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024

Dr. Kim Stearns is a great doctor, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs treatment.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024

Cleveland Clinic is a large hospital, as is Dr. Stearns' office. I am very satisfied and grateful for the attention and care I have received.

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2024

Dr Stearns staff has been wonderful

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2024

Dr Stearns spent a lot of time with me going over ever question concern about my knee replacement surgery. I left feeling very good about the decisions we made.

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024

Dr Stern was very professional and understanding. I felt like he listened to my concerns and addressed them with an easy going approach. Made me feel comfortable with my decision

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

Dr Stern is the best.

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

Staff and doctor care is excellent.

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

Dr. Stearns is excellent!!!

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

Dr. Stearns is the best!

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

Dr. Stearns was so professional and empathetic. He took the time to properly assess my needs and was very forthcoming with information about what to expect moving forward.

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2024

Dr. Stearns explained everything that was going on with me. He was thorough and personable.

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2024

This will be my second hip replacement and I have total confidence in Dr Stearns! Wouldn't want to go anywhere else

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2024

Dr Kim Stearns did an excellent job and is the best in his field!

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

Dr. Kim Stearns gave me back a great life. I am so thankful to him and his staff and everyone at Lutheran hospital

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

Recommend Dr Stearns often

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

Dr. Stearns and his team are truly the best. Thank you Cleveland Clinic!

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2024

Dr Stearns is a rock star! He comes ready to solve problems.

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024

Meetings with Dr. Stearns are always on the brief side, probably because he appears to understand my concerns without me having to explain too much. His comments are concise and to the point. This doctor may not be the right one for patients who like to talk a lot themselves, but I personally am pleased that my time with Dr. Stearns Is never wasted by idle chatter.

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024

I came from Fort Wayne In for the appointment because of the great reputation of Cleveland Clinic. I trust my doctor and feel like I am going to feel better through his care

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2024

Dr Kim Stearns is an excellent physician.

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024

Dr. Stearns did an outstanding job on my hip replacement surgery. Because of this, recovery was easy and quick.

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024

Dr. Stearns and his nurse Heather are excellent providers!

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024

I recommend him to everyone, he is simply the best! I can't say enough great about him, we need more doctors like him!

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024

Had to wait an additional 40 minutes in room for Dr. I almost left. My previous. Appointment I waited 1 1/2 hours to see him!!

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

Dr. Stearns listened to my concerns and made every effort to get my surgery scheduled as quickly as possible. He asked if I had any questions and clearly answered them.

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

The doctor was very caring about my condition

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

I was satisfied with the care providers cancern

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2024

Dr Stearns is very knowledgeable and skilled, but he almost comes across as abrupt.

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2024

I had meeting with Dr Steran for second opinion. He is very pleasant and patiently answered all the questions and doubts in very detail. I left feeling confident and reassured of the planned treatment for my knee issue.

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2024

Dr Stearns is the BEST orthopedic provider! Knowledgeable, kind, and very informative.

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2024

Love Dr. Stearns

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2024

Dr. Stearns is amazing. Helped my elbow and had done a couple surgeries in the past for me.

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Dr. Running behind schedule, short with answers.

Reviewed on May 28, 2024

Really liked Dr. Stearns even more than I anticipated

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

Dr. Stearns is terrific!

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

I had a great experience at my appointment with Dr Stearns.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

I couldn't have had a better experience . Dr Stearns and his staff are top notch. The office staff was very helpful calling the dr I had seen prior out of State Florida. The mri dusk they had given in florida was not readable. The office staff went above and beyond to get my records so I didn't need to reschedule my appointment.

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

Dr. Stearns Is to the point, but not Kurt. He takes the time to answer all of my questions. All in all the experiences has been excellent!

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2024

Dr. Stearns knows his stuff.

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024

I'm always treated with excellent care at this office doctor Stearns is a amazing doctor.he did a hip replacement on my right leg and I feel amazing now.

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024

Excellent Dr.and staff

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024

Sometimes a doctor may seem to be in a hurry but I understand that they are busy, there are a lot of other patience that they have to get to so I realize asking the nurses or the PA the questions is more appropriate.

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024

Dr Stearns is a very caring and compassionate doctor.

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024

I highly recommend Dr Stearns.

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Really enjoyed my experience with Dr. Kim Sterns. Polite, Friendly, and got things moving in a quick fashion. The only problem I had was trying to get a prescription inwhich cost was too much for me on a fixed income. Never gave me an alternative after calling his office. Overall, a Stellar Dr.

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Provider was really short, Told me I needed surgery but really didn't explain procedure

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Dr.Shears is very kind and explained all about my knee and the up coming surgery

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Dr Stearns is an excellent surgeon with amazing bedside manner he's polite and takes time to explain everything to you.

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Dr. Stearns is extremely helpful. I have complete trust in his recommendations and his ability as a surgeon.

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Dr. Stearns is the best and his staff are of equal high quality.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Dr Stearn is the only orthopedic Dr that listened to me Thank you

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Dr Stearns is thorough and efficient

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Dr. Kim Stearns is excellent and I highly recommend him

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

This Dr is very difficult to get into see.

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Dr Stearns fixed my Shoulder and the therapy he recommended was perfect.

Reviewed on Feb 28, 2024

Dr. Stearns was excellent

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024

Dr sterns is a great surgeon. He did both of my knees and the X-rays are wonderful as well as my mobility and pain level..

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024

Dr. Stearns is very professional. Answered all my questions.

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

Doctor didn't explain his findings from MRI only walked in the room told me I needed surgery and left out leaving me with no clear understanding of treatment, options, care of plan.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

I have been a patient of Dr. Stearns for years - 2 surgeries and other treatment. Very skilled surgeon, always had good outcome. He is professional and obviously cares for his patients.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

Dr Sterans is a very good professional caring doctor.

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

The doctor seems a bit off Standish. He's a bit "hands off".

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

Dr. Stearns was excellent. He was thorough, efficient and respectful. Talked about options and asked for my opinion. Couldn't have asked for better care.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

Dr.Stearns is superb.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

Dr. Sterns is a wonderful doctor. He listens and shows respect for his patience. Very knowledgeable in his professional field.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

Dr Stearns was excellent in everything. I like straight forward brief answers and he was right there with me.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

Dr Kim Stearn and all his staff are outstanding I would highly recommend him to anyone of my family members

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

Dr Stearns is a great asset to the Cleveland clinic

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

Great doctor

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024

Provider spent less than 10 minutes with me. He told me what he thought and asked if I had questions. I didn't even know what to ask, nothing was explained. I felt very rushed

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024

Dr. Stearns is always very attentive during our appointments, He makes sure that I have all my questions answered prior to leaving.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024

Very satisfied with experience, both doctor and staff. Thank you!

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

I have never been treated so kindly at any other practice. They are the BEST! Dr. Stearns is kind and caring, and the best in the field. Just a super man.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2024

As always Dr Sterns and staff are wonderful

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2024

Dr Stearn took the time to listen to me. He was very thorough looking at my chart and my history. He took the time to explain my options. I was very impressed with him.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2024

Dr. Stearns is an amazing clinician with excellent bedside manner. He is friendly, thorough, and patient experience focused.

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

Dr. Kim Stearns is a great professional and is a student of his craft!

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

I recommend Dr. Kim Stearns to anyone who asks me about hip or knee replacement. He's simply the best.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

Very Encouraging Doctor

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2023

Dr. Kim Stearns is an excellent physician.

Reviewed on Dec 28, 2023

Dr. Stearns gave me an honest and fair assessment of my knee pain

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2023

Love Doctor!

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2023

Dr sterns is not the most personable Doctor, however he is great in his job as a surgeon and that's all that matters to me.

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2023

Always a pleasant experience whenVisiting doctors office

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2023

Dr sterns office has always had great service and kind workers at front desk there courtesy is amazing

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

Waiting 1 hr to see the doctor

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

Doctor was very straight forward and direct, I liked that about him. He explained options to me.

Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023

I had questions I did not get to ask. Dr. Stearns is a great Dr wish he gave me a chance to ask questions.

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2023

My concerns and questions were answered with care and concerns. The doctor helped me professionally and was very helpful.

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2023

Dr Stearns and his team are amazing. I couldn't ask for more or be more pleased with my results. No question went unanswered. Communication was easy and speedy. Dr Stearns expertise led to an easier speedier recovery. With thanks and gratitude for my knee replacement. So grateful to Dr Stearns and Team for their excellent care.

Reviewed on Nov 22, 2023

I have a very high regard for Dr. Stearns and his staff! Its obvious there is mutual respect among his team. Should I need any additional Orthopaedic hes my go to Dr.

Reviewed on Nov 21, 2023

Dr stearn was nice but really didn't address any concerns I get that I am a patient through workers comp but I didn't feel he gave me real answers

Reviewed on Nov 16, 2023

Dr. Stern is a wonderful person and I enjoyed my interactions with him.

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2023

Nice to have somone be respectful of your time. I was into an exam room 10 mins after my appointment time, staff were nice, doctor was really quick with the injections. We talked about replacements.

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

I have recommended Dr. Stearns to many friends.

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

Dr. Stern really didn't say what was causing the pain in my knee except the x-ray was normal. Said he would order a cream for the pain

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

This is my 3rd joint replacement with Dr Stearns, I will go nowhere else

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Great experience. Dr K Sterns is a Gem!!

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

The most amazing dr EVER!!!

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Dr sterns explained everything very thoroughly I was very happy with him he will be my doctor going forward

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023

This care giver is a fantastic Dr very caring and knowledgeable.I feel better after he told me everything to get me better

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2023

First impression, Dr.Stearn is so laid back, good listener. Felt at ease being with him,felt comfortable around him. Glad to had meet him. Will continue to see him for my knee pain.

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2023

When making appt, I described my condition in detail & asked to be referred to a dr who had extensive experience w/ my odd injury. Dr. Stearns is strictly a surgeon. Although I brought 4 MRIs w/ reports & a nuclear CT disk, he could not give me any explanation or assessment or any tx other than a hip replacement for which I am in no way a candidate for at this time, acc'ding to images and reports. I didn't answer lat Q b/c I wouldn't rec to anyobe who was not in need of rhip eplacement. We came to CC from B'ham, AL, based on its repotation, but I was misdirected as to whom to see, so money and time not well spent on airfare and hotel, and ubers

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2023

As described on earlier page, I was notmatched with appropriate physician, so I did not receive any care and can't give factually supported answers to these questions.

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

Being a year post op, I can honestly say my quality of life with hiking and going to the gym has improved dramatically and drastically having a total left knee replacement done by Dr. Stearns.

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