Dr. Emile Li, M.D.
Contact & Location
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Dr. Emile Li is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Dodge, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Li has performed 24 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#63 in Iowa) and 12 hip replacements, for a combined total of 36 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Li performs below average in knee (24 vs 48 avg), below average in hip (12 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Li's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (24 cases) and hip replacements (12 cases).
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 data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 156 procedures in 2019 before settling at 36 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Li's 24 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Li's recorded volume peaked at 156 procedures in 2019 and stood at 36 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 36 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Iowa average is 73 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Li ranks #75 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Li perform?
Dr. Li's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases) and hip replacement (12 cases).
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 36 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Li's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Li's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 156 procedures in 2019 and was 36 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Li perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Li's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (24 cases), hip replacement (12 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 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.