#17 Knee
#31 Hip

Dr. Benjamin Beecher, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
110 procedures 3 hospitals Des Moines, IA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 31 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 79 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Benjamin Beecher is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Beecher has performed 79 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#17 in Iowa) and 31 hip replacements, for a combined total of 110 procedures.

In Iowa, Dr. Beecher performs above average in knee (79 vs 50 avg), near average in hip (31 vs 35 avg).

Dr. Beecher's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (79 cases) and hip replacements (31 cases).

Des Moines is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Des Moines area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Beecher extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 18 to 110 in the most recent data, a 511% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Beecher's 79 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
79 verified cases
#17 in Iowa
Hip Replacement
31 verified cases
#31 in Iowa
Estimated total: 300 – 330 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Beecher Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.

Hip Average
31 Avg: 35
Knee High
79 Avg: 50
Dr. Beecher Iowa Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 515-247-8400
450 Laurel St
Des Moines, IA 50314
NPI: 1720299217
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
19 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Beecher's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 511% from 18 procedures in 2013 to 110 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 110
Peak Volume 110 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center
★★☆☆☆
Des Moines, IA
Similar to national avg
H
Dallas County Hospital
Perry, IA
H
Pella Regional Health Center
★★★★☆
Pella, IA
Low case volume

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Beecher

How does Dr. Beecher's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?

Dr. Beecher has performed 110 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Beecher ranks #27 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Beecher perform?

Dr. Beecher's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (79 cases) and hip replacement (31 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Beecher with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Beecher ranks #17 in Iowa for knee replacement with 79 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Beecher in Des Moines?

Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in 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. Beecher 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. Beecher's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 110 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Beecher's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Beecher's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2013 to 110 in the most recent data, a 511% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 110 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Beecher perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Beecher's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (79 cases), hip replacement (31 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Beecher affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Beecher is affiliated with Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center, Dallas County Hospital, Pella Regional Health Center.

How does Dr. Beecher compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines?

Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines, Dr. Beecher ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Des Moines has 223 verified Medicare procedures.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Beecher practices?

Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Pella Regional Health Center (4 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 Des Moines, Iowa

Dr. Beecher's 110 Medicare procedures are below the Des Moines average of 142. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Des Moines.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. David Vittetoe 223 Hip, Knee
Dr. Mark Matthes 181 Hip, Knee
Dr. Craig Mahoney 160 Hip, Knee
Dr. Benjamin Wilke 157 Hip, Knee
Dr. Ian Lin 100 Hip, Knee
Dr. Kamaldeen Aderibigbe 64 Hip

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Benjamin Beecher, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-benjamin-beecher-des-moines.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-benjamin-beecher-des-moines.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: 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 one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.