Dr. Christopher Eagan, DO
Contact & Location
319-272-5000
Waterloo, IA 50702
About Dr. Eagan
Dr. Christopher Eagan is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Waterloo, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Eagan completed 65 knee replacements (#21 in Iowa), 30 hip replacements, and 16 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 111 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Eagan performs above the state average in knee (65 vs 48), near the state average in hip (30 vs 36), below the state average in shoulder (16 vs 26).
Dr. Eagan performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (65 cases), followed by hip replacements (30) and shoulder replacements (16).
Waterloo is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Waterloo area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Eagan extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 62 to 111 in the most recent data, a 79% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Eagan's 65 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 | 46 | 0 |
| 2014 | 13 | 52 | 0 |
| 2015 | 14 | 47 | 0 |
| 2016 | 24 | 52 | 0 |
| 2017 | 27 | 57 | 0 |
| 2018 | 15 | 41 | 0 |
| 2019 | 15 | 58 | 0 |
| 2020 | 16 | 45 | 0 |
| 2021 | 27 | 56 | 0 |
| 2022 | 21 | 69 | 13 |
| 2023 | 24 | 60 | 14 |
| 2024 | 30 | 65 | 16 |
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. Eagan Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Eagan's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 79% from 62 procedures in 2013 to 111 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Eagan
How does Dr. Eagan's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Eagan has performed 111 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Eagan ranks #22 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Eagan perform?
Dr. Eagan performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (65 cases), hip replacement (30 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Eagan in Waterloo?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo 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. Eagan 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. Eagan's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 111 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Eagan's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Eagan's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 62 procedures in 2013 to 111 in the most recent data, a 79% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 111 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Eagan perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Eagan's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (65 cases), hip replacement (30 cases), shoulder replacement (16 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Eagan among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Eagan affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Eagan is affiliated with Mercyone Cedar Falls Medical Center, Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center, Waverly Health Center.
How does Dr. Eagan compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo, Dr. Eagan ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Eagan has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Eagan practices?
Mercyone Cedar Falls Medical Center (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Waverly Health Center (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 Waterloo, Iowa
Dr. Eagan's 111 Medicare procedures are above the Waterloo average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Waterloo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Bartelt | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Gorsche | 69 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Richard Naylor | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Knudson | 31 | 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.