Dr. Emile Li, M.D.
Dr. Emile Li is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Dodge, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Li has completed 69 knee replacements (#22 in Iowa), 30 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements, totaling 112 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Li performs above average in knee (69 vs 50 avg), near average in hip (30 vs 35 avg), below average in shoulder (13 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Li performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (69 cases), followed by hip replacements (30) and shoulder replacements (13).
Dr. Li is the only orthopedic surgeon in Fort Dodge represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Li's Medicare record spans 11 years from 2013 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 105 to 156 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Li's 69 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. Li Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Li's procedure volume has been consistent across 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 105 to 156 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Li
How does Dr. Li's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Li has performed 112 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Li ranks #25 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Li perform?
Dr. Li performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (69 cases), hip replacement (30 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Where is Dr. Li's practice located?
Dr. Li practices in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The office is located at 2700 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Li for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Li 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. Li's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 112 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Li's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Li's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 11 years of Medicare data, ranging from 105 to 156 procedures per year between 2013 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Li perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Li's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (69 cases), hip replacement (30 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Li among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Li affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Li is affiliated with Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion, Humboldt County Memorial Hospital, Van Diest Medical Center, Pocahontas Community Hospital, Iowa Specialty Hospital - Belmond.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Li practices?
Iowa Specialty Hospital - Clarion (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.
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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