Dr. Christopher Rierson, DO
Contact & Location
712-262-7511
Spencer, IA 51301
About Dr. Rierson
Dr. Christopher Rierson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spencer, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Rierson completed 47 knee replacements (#39 in Iowa), 24 hip replacements, and 15 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 86 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Rierson performs near the state average in knee (47 vs 48), below the state average in hip (24 vs 36), below the state average in shoulder (15 vs 26).
Dr. Rierson performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (47 cases), followed by hip replacements (24) and shoulder replacements (15).
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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 86 in the most recent data, a 514% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rierson's 47 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| 2015 | 17 | 20 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 35 | 0 |
| 2017 | 23 | 40 | 0 |
| 2018 | 23 | 43 | 0 |
| 2019 | 19 | 52 | 0 |
| 2020 | 18 | 35 | 12 |
| 2021 | 27 | 43 | 13 |
| 2022 | 26 | 49 | 19 |
| 2023 | 29 | 44 | 0 |
| 2024 | 24 | 47 | 15 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rierson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 514% from 14 procedures in 2014 to 86 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 86 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Rierson ranks #33 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rierson perform?
Dr. Rierson performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (47 cases), hip replacement (24 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
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 86 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 86 in the most recent data, a 514% increase over 11 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 (47 cases), hip replacement (24 cases), shoulder replacement (15 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Rierson among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
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 86 Medicare procedures are below the Spencer average of 119. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Spencer.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jason Hough | 191 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Pick | 80 | Hip, 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.