Dr. David Sneller, M.D.
Contact & Location
515-239-4475
Ames, IA 50010
Dr. Sneller performs more knee replacement procedures than 83% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #15 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Sneller
Practice. Dr. David Sneller is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 70 knee replacements. That is #15 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 34 procedures a year to 70, up 106%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 70 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Ames has 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 42 |
| 2015 | 40 |
| 2016 | 52 |
| 2017 | 46 |
| 2018 | 65 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 38 |
| 2021 | 41 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 68 |
| 2024 | 70 |
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. 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. Sneller Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Sneller's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 106% from 34 procedures in 2013 to 70 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 70 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Sneller ranks #44 out of 105 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 70 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Sneller with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Sneller ranks #15 in Iowa for knee replacement with 70 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 105 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Sneller in Ames?
Yes. There are 6 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 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, which puts Dr. Sneller's total volume across all insurers at roughly 250 to 300 procedures against the 70 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. Sneller's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Sneller's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 34 procedures in 2013 to 70 in the most recent data, a 106% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 70 procedures in 2024.
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, Story County Hospital.
How does Dr. Sneller compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ames?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Ames, Dr. Sneller ranks #3 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 70 Medicare procedures are below the Ames average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Stefl | 242 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Kohler | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Betsey Bean | 24 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Bryan Warme | 22 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Greenwald | 16 | 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.