Knee
Dr. David Sneller, M.D.
Dr. David Sneller is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Sneller has performed 68 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #23 in Iowa.
In Iowa, Dr. Sneller performs above average in knee (68 vs 50 avg).
Dr. Sneller's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 68 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.
Ames is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Ames area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Sneller extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 34 to 68 in the most recent data, a 100% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Sneller's 68 verified procedures is above 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. Sneller Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Ames, IA 50010
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sneller's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 100% from 34 procedures in 2013 to 68 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Sneller
How does Dr. Sneller's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Sneller has performed 68 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sneller ranks #50 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Sneller perform?
Dr. Sneller's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 68 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sneller in Ames?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Ames 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. Sneller 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. Sneller's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 68 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Sneller's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sneller's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 34 procedures in 2013 to 68 in the most recent data, a 100% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 68 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Sneller affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Sneller is affiliated with Mary Greeley Medical Center, Boone County Hospital, Greene County Medical Center.
How does Dr. Sneller compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ames?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Ames, Dr. Sneller ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Sneller is among the highest-volume surgeons in Ames.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Sneller practices?
Mary Greeley Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Greene County 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 Ames, Iowa
Dr. Sneller's 68 Medicare procedures are below the Ames average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Stefl | 208 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Kohler | 41 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Greenwald | 27 | Knee |
| Dr. Bryan Warme | 13 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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