Dr. Craig Mahoney, M.D.
Contact & Location
515-247-8400
Des Moines, IA 50314
Ankeny, IA 50021
Johnston, IA 50131
Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Dr. Mahoney performs more knee replacement procedures than 93% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #6 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Mahoney
Dr. Craig Mahoney is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Mahoney performed 119 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#6 in Iowa) and 42 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 161 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Mahoney performs well above the state average in knee (119 vs 48), near the state average in hip (42 vs 36).
Dr. Mahoney's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (119 cases) and hip replacements (42 cases).
Des Moines is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Des Moines area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Mahoney extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 122 to 161 in the most recent data, a 32% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Mahoney's 119 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 59 | 63 |
| 2014 | 50 | 61 |
| 2015 | 39 | 75 |
| 2016 | 55 | 75 |
| 2017 | 41 | 86 |
| 2018 | 62 | 98 |
| 2019 | 67 | 106 |
| 2020 | 46 | 70 |
| 2021 | 48 | 67 |
| 2022 | 53 | 80 |
| 2023 | 43 | 117 |
| 2024 | 42 | 119 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Mahoney Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Mahoney's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 32% from 122 procedures in 2013 to 161 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Mahoney
How does Dr. Mahoney's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Mahoney has performed 161 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Mahoney ranks #8 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Mahoney perform?
Dr. Mahoney's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (119 cases) and hip replacement (42 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Mahoney with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Mahoney ranks #6 in Iowa for knee replacement with 119 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 105 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Mahoney in Des Moines?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in 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. Mahoney represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Mahoney's total volume across all insurers at roughly 550 to 690 procedures against the 161 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Mahoney's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Mahoney's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 122 procedures in 2013 to 161 in the most recent data, a 32% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 173 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Mahoney perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Mahoney's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (119 cases), hip replacement (42 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Mahoney affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Mahoney is affiliated with Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center, Boone County Hospital, Mercyone Centerville Medical Center, Mercyone Newton Medical Center, Trinity Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Mahoney compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines, Dr. Mahoney ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Mahoney is among the highest-volume surgeons in Des Moines.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Mahoney practices?
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercyone Centerville Medical 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 Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Mahoney's 161 Medicare procedures are above the Des Moines average of 122. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Vittetoe | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Matthes | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Beecher | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kamaldeen Aderibigbe | 81 | Hip |
| Dr. Justin Khoriaty | 78 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Benjamin Wilke | 75 | 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.