#10 Knee
#24 Hip

Dr. Craig Hansen, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
134 procedures 4 hospitals Council Bluffs, IA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 37 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 97 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Craig Hansen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Council Bluffs, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Hansen has performed 97 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#10 in Iowa) and 37 hip replacements, for a combined total of 134 procedures.

In Iowa, Dr. Hansen performs above average in knee (97 vs 50 avg), near average in hip (37 vs 35 avg).

Dr. Hansen's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (97 cases) and hip replacements (37 cases).

Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Hansen holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.

Council Bluffs is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Council Bluffs area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Hansen also maintains hospital privileges in IA and NE, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Iowa.

Medicare records for Dr. Hansen extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 75 to 134 in the most recent data, a 79% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Hansen's 97 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
97 verified cases
#10 in Iowa
Hip Replacement
37 verified cases
#24 in Iowa
Estimated total: 360 – 410 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Hansen Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.

Hip Average
37 Avg: 35
Knee High
97 Avg: 50
Dr. Hansen Iowa Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 402-609-3000
1260 Valley View Dr
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
NPI: 1659363182
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Hansen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 79% from 75 procedures in 2013 to 134 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 134
Peak Volume 134 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Methodist Jennie Edmundson
★★★★☆
Council Bluffs, IA
Similar to national avg
H
Orthonebraska Hospital
Omaha, NE
Low case volume
H
Chi Health Mercy Council Bluffs
★★★☆☆
Council Bluffs, IA
Low case volume
H
Myrtue Medical Center
★★★★☆
Harlan, IA
Low case volume

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Hansen

How does Dr. Hansen's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?

Dr. Hansen has performed 134 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hansen ranks #15 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hansen perform?

Dr. Hansen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (97 cases) and hip replacement (37 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Hansen with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Hansen ranks #10 in Iowa for knee replacement with 97 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hansen in Council Bluffs?

Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Council Bluffs 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. Hansen 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. Hansen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 134 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Hansen's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Hansen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 75 procedures in 2013 to 134 in the most recent data, a 79% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 134 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Hansen perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Hansen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (97 cases), hip replacement (37 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Hansen affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hansen is affiliated with Methodist Jennie Edmundson, Orthonebraska Hospital, Chi Health Mercy Council Bluffs, Myrtue Medical Center. Dr. Hansen maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.

How does Dr. Hansen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Council Bluffs?

Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Council Bluffs, Dr. Hansen ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hansen has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hansen practices?

Methodist Jennie Edmundson (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Orthonebraska Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Chi Health Mercy Council Bluffs (3 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Council Bluffs, Iowa

Dr. Hansen's 134 Medicare procedures are above the Council Bluffs average of 63. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Council Bluffs.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Clifford Boese 70 Hip, Knee
Dr. James Mantone 54 Hip, Knee
Dr. Blake Bodendorfer 35 Shoulder
Dr. Thomas Atteberry 24 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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Craig Hansen, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-craig-hansen-council-bluffs.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-craig-hansen-council-bluffs.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.