Dr. Christopher Kim, B.SC., M.D.
Contact & Location
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Dr. Christopher Kim is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in West Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Kim has performed 19 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #27 in Iowa.
In Iowa, Dr. Kim performs below average in shoulder (19 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Kim's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 19 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
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.
Dr. Kim first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Kim's 19 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Kim Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Kim
How does Dr. Kim's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Kim has performed 19 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Iowa average is 73 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Kim ranks #96 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Kim perform?
Dr. Kim's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 19 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Kim affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Kim is affiliated with Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center.
How does Dr. Kim compare to other orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines, Dr. Kim ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in West Des Moines has 170 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Kim practices?
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center (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 West Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Kim's 19 Medicare procedures are below the West Des Moines average of 109. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in West Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Barron Bremner | 170 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| 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 |
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.