Dr. Christopher Rierson, DO
Dr. Christopher Rierson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spencer, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Rierson has performed 44 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#46 in Iowa) and 29 hip replacements, for a combined total of 73 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Rierson performs near average in knee (44 vs 50 avg), near average in hip (29 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Rierson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (44 cases) and hip replacements (29 cases).
Spencer is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Spencer area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Rierson extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 73 in the most recent data, a 421% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rierson's 44 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Rierson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Spencer, IA 51301
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rierson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 421% from 14 procedures in 2014 to 73 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.
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.
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.
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. Rierson
How does Dr. Rierson's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Rierson has performed 73 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rierson ranks #44 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rierson perform?
Dr. Rierson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases) and hip replacement (29 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rierson in Spencer?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Spencer 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. Rierson 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. Rierson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 73 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Rierson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Rierson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2014 to 73 in the most recent data, a 421% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 94 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Rierson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Rierson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases), hip replacement (29 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Rierson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rierson is affiliated with Lakes Regional Healthcare, Spencer Municipal Hospital, Osceola Community Hospital, Kossuth Regional Health Center, Avera Holy Family Hospital.
How does Dr. Rierson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Spencer?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Spencer, Dr. Rierson ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Rierson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Spencer.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rierson practices?
Lakes Regional Healthcare (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate above national average); Spencer Municipal Hospital (4 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 Spencer, Iowa
Dr. Rierson's 73 Medicare procedures are below the Spencer average of 108. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Spencer.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason Hough | 178 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Pick | 72 | Hip, Knee |
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.