Dr. Benjamin Beecher, M.D.
Contact & Location
515-247-8400
Des Moines, IA 50314
Perry, IA 50220
Ankeny, IA 50021
Pella, IA 50219
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Dr. Beecher performs more knee replacement procedures than 82% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #16 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Beecher
Practice. Dr. Benjamin Beecher is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Des Moines, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 70 knee replacements and 37 hip replacements, 107 procedures in all. That is #16 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 18 procedures a year to 107, up 494%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 70 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Des Moines has 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 18 | 0 |
| 2014 | 29 | 23 |
| 2015 | 30 | 67 |
| 2016 | 30 | 55 |
| 2017 | 31 | 58 |
| 2018 | 35 | 74 |
| 2019 | 30 | 54 |
| 2020 | 24 | 47 |
| 2021 | 17 | 59 |
| 2022 | 24 | 54 |
| 2023 | 31 | 79 |
| 2024 | 37 | 70 |
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. 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. Beecher Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Beecher's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 494% from 18 procedures in 2013 to 107 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. Beecher
How does Dr. Beecher's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Beecher has performed 107 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Beecher ranks #24 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Beecher perform?
Dr. Beecher's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (70 cases) and hip replacement (37 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Beecher with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Beecher ranks #16 in Iowa for knee replacement with 70 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 105 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 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, which puts Dr. Beecher's total volume across all insurers at roughly 360 to 450 procedures against the 107 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. Beecher's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Beecher's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 18 procedures in 2013 to 107 in the most recent data, a 494% increase over 12 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 (70 cases), hip replacement (37 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, Mercyone Newton Medical Center, Grinnell Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Beecher compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines, Dr. Beecher ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Des Moines has 205 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 107 Medicare procedures are below the Des Moines average of 122. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Vittetoe | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Mahoney | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Matthes | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kamaldeen Aderibigbe | 81 | Hip |
| Dr. Justin Khoriaty | 78 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Benjamin Wilke | 75 | 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.