Dr. Barron Bremner, D.O.
Contact & Location
515-224-1414
West Des Moines, IA 50266
About Dr. Bremner
Dr. Barron Bremner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in West Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Bremner completed 92 hip replacements (#3 in Iowa), 63 knee replacements, and 15 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 170 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Bremner performs well above the state average in hip (92 vs 36), above the state average in knee (63 vs 48), below the state average in shoulder (15 vs 26).
Dr. Bremner performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is hip replacements (92 cases), followed by knee replacements (63) and shoulder replacements (15).
West Des Moines is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the West Des Moines area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Bremner extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 61 to 170 in the most recent data, a 179% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bremner's 92 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 35 | 26 | 0 |
| 2014 | 41 | 37 | 0 |
| 2015 | 64 | 64 | 0 |
| 2016 | 93 | 43 | 0 |
| 2017 | 90 | 58 | 0 |
| 2018 | 79 | 53 | 0 |
| 2019 | 80 | 48 | 0 |
| 2020 | 67 | 35 | 0 |
| 2021 | 57 | 45 | 0 |
| 2022 | 105 | 84 | 13 |
| 2023 | 96 | 63 | 16 |
| 2024 | 92 | 63 | 15 |
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. Bremner Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bremner's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 179% from 61 procedures in 2013 to 170 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Bremner
How does Dr. Bremner's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Bremner has performed 170 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bremner ranks #6 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bremner perform?
Dr. Bremner performs all three major joint replacement procedures: hip replacement (92 cases), knee replacement (63 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
How experienced is Dr. Bremner with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Bremner ranks #3 in Iowa for hip replacement with 92 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 105 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bremner in West Des Moines?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines 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 Iowa surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Bremner 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. Bremner's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 170 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bremner's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bremner's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 61 procedures in 2013 to 170 in the most recent data, a 179% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 202 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Bremner perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bremner's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (92 cases), knee replacement (63 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Bremner among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bremner affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bremner is affiliated with Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Guthrie County Hospital.
How does Dr. Bremner compare to other orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines, Dr. Bremner ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bremner has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bremner practices?
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi (3 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 West Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Bremner's 170 Medicare procedures are above the West Des Moines average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in West Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Matthew Dewall | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Nelson | 144 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Dulaney | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kary Schulte | 92 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Nicholas Honkamp | 65 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kawsu Barry | 62 | Hip, 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.