Dr. Benjamin Wilke, MD
Contact & Location
515-247-8400
Des Moines, IA 50314
About Dr. Wilke
Dr. Benjamin Wilke is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Wilke performed 44 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#42 in Iowa) and 31 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 75 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Wilke performs near the state average in knee (44 vs 48), near the state average in hip (31 vs 36).
Dr. Wilke's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (44 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.
Dr. Wilke's Medicare data spans 8 years, beginning in 2017. Volume peaked at 157 procedures in 2023 before settling at 75 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wilke's 44 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 13 | 15 |
| 2018 | 48 | 70 |
| 2019 | 43 | 68 |
| 2020 | 32 | 56 |
| 2021 | 35 | 55 |
| 2022 | 42 | 83 |
| 2023 | 75 | 82 |
| 2024 | 31 | 44 |
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. Wilke Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wilke's recorded volume peaked at 157 procedures in 2023 and stood at 75 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Wilke
How does Dr. Wilke's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Wilke has performed 75 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wilke ranks #39 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wilke perform?
Dr. Wilke's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases) and hip replacement (31 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wilke 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. Wilke 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. Wilke's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 75 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wilke's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wilke's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 157 procedures in 2023 and was 75 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Wilke perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wilke's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases), hip replacement (31 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wilke affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wilke is affiliated with Ascension St Vincent'S Southside, Ascension St Vincent'S Riverside. Dr. Wilke maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Wilke compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines, Dr. Wilke ranks #7 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. Wilke practices?
Ascension St Vincent'S Southside (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ascension St Vincent'S Riverside (2 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 Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Wilke's 75 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. Benjamin Beecher | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kamaldeen Aderibigbe | 81 | Hip |
| Dr. Justin Khoriaty | 78 | Shoulder |
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.