Dr. David Vittetoe, MD
Dr. David Vittetoe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Vittetoe has performed 154 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#1 in Iowa) and 69 hip replacements, for a combined total of 223 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Vittetoe performs well above average in knee (154 vs 50 avg), above average in hip (69 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Vittetoe's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (154 cases) and hip replacements (69 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.
Dr. Vittetoe's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 178 to 239 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Vittetoe's 154 verified procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45, ranking #150 nationally.
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. Vittetoe Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Des Moines, IA 50316
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Vittetoe's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 178 to 239 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Vittetoe
How does Dr. Vittetoe's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Vittetoe has performed 223 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Vittetoe ranks #1 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Vittetoe perform?
Dr. Vittetoe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (154 cases) and hip replacement (69 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Vittetoe with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Vittetoe ranks #1 in Iowa for knee replacement with 154 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Vittetoe 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. Vittetoe 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. Vittetoe's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 223 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Vittetoe's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Vittetoe's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 178 to 239 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Vittetoe perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Vittetoe's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (154 cases), hip replacement (69 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Vittetoe affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Vittetoe is affiliated with Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi.
How does Dr. Vittetoe compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines, Dr. Vittetoe ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Vittetoe has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Vittetoe practices?
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi (3 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 Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Vittetoe's 223 Medicare procedures are above the Des Moines average of 142. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Matthes | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Mahoney | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Wilke | 157 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Beecher | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ian Lin | 100 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kamaldeen Aderibigbe | 64 | Hip |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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