Top Knee Replacement Surgeons in Des Moines
Rankings reflect Medicare procedure volume, one factor among many. Volume does not measure quality of care.
Discover Des Moines's leading knee replacement surgeons ranked by verified Medicare procedure volume. Our comprehensive analysis covers 19 specialists performing knee replacement procedures in Des Moines, Iowa.
19
Surgeons
1,225
Verified Medicare procedures
145
Most by one surgeon
64
Average per surgeon
1
David A Vittetoe, MD
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 145 verified Medicare cases
2
Mark J Isaacson, D.O.
Ankeny, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 137 verified Medicare cases
3
Matthew J Dewall, M.D.
West Des Moines, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 121 verified Medicare cases
4
Craig R Mahoney, M.D.
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 119 verified Medicare cases
5
Mark R Matthes, M.D.
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 106 verified Medicare cases
6
Benjamin R Beecher, M.D.
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 70 verified Medicare cases
7
Thomas D Dulaney, MD
West Des Moines, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 66 verified Medicare cases
8
Barron R Bremner, D.O.
West Des Moines, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 63 verified Medicare cases
9
Christopher D Nelson, DO
West Des Moines, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 57 verified Medicare cases
10
Ian Lin, MD
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 54 verified Medicare cases
11
Mark D Fish, D.O.
Clive, IAAlso practices here via Broadlawns Medical Center
Knee Replacement: 50 verified Medicare cases
12
Benjamin Wilke, MD
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 44 verified Medicare cases
13
Nicholas J Honkamp, M.D.
West Des Moines, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 42 verified Medicare cases
14
Wesley R Smidt, MD
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 37 verified Medicare cases
15
William C Jacobson, MD
Des Moines, IA
Knee Replacement: 36 verified Medicare cases
16
Kawsu Barry, MD
West Des Moines, IAAlso practices here via Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center
Knee Replacement: 27 verified Medicare cases
17
Todd C Peterson, D.O.
Clive, IAAlso practices here via Broadlawns Medical Center
Knee Replacement: 26 verified Medicare cases
18
Kary R Schulte, MD
West Des Moines, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 13 verified Medicare cases
19
Jeffrey Bannister, DO
Ankeny, IAAlso practices here via Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi
Knee Replacement: 12 verified Medicare cases
Knee Replacement in Des Moines: the local picture
Public CMS Medicare data verifies 1,225 knee replacement procedures performed by the 19 surgeons listed on this page, all serving the Des Moines area. Hospital affiliations among these surgeons most often include Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center, and Broadlawns Medical Center.
Compare more of Iowa:
All Iowa surgeons
Surgeons in Cedar Rapids
Surgeons in West Des Moines
Surgeons in Bettendorf
Important Disclaimer
Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately 33–37% of all procedures performed. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Replacement in Des Moines
How do I choose the best knee replacement surgeon in Des Moines?
Look for surgeons with high Medicare procedure volumes (200+ knee replacements annually), board certification in orthopedic surgery, experience with both total and partial knee replacement, and affiliations with quality hospitals. Our Des Moines rankings help you compare surgeons based on Medicare volume data.
What is the average cost of knee replacement in Des Moines, Iowa?
Medicare covers 80% of knee replacement costs after deductible. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $1,500-$4,000 depending on the facility, surgeon, and your Medicare plan. Des Moines surgeons who accept Medicare assignment help keep costs predictable.
How long does knee replacement recovery take?
Most patients begin walking with assistance the same day or day after surgery. Return to normal activities takes 6-12 weeks for most people. Physical therapy typically starts immediately and continues for 8-12 weeks. Des Moines surgeons often use rapid recovery protocols to speed healing.
What's the difference between total and partial knee replacement?
Total knee replacement replaces the entire knee joint surface, while partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement only replaces the damaged portion. Partial knee replacement has faster recovery but requires very specific damage patterns. Des Moines surgeons can evaluate which approach is best for your condition.
Does Medicare cover knee replacement surgery in Des Moines?
Yes, Medicare covers medically necessary knee replacement surgery, including traditional and robotic-assisted procedures. Coverage includes surgery, hospital stay, anesthesia, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. You pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible. All Des Moines ranked surgeons accept Medicare.