Contact & Location
515-955-6767
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Dr. Li performs more knee replacement procedures than 30% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #63 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Li
Practice. Dr. Emile Li is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 24 knee replacements and 12 hip replacements, 36 procedures in all. That is #63 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 156 in 2019 and stands at 36 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 24 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 36 | 77 | 0 |
| 2014 | 27 | 93 | 0 |
| 2015 | 24 | 81 | 0 |
| 2016 | 42 | 89 | 0 |
| 2017 | 35 | 80 | 12 |
| 2018 | 40 | 109 | 0 |
| 2019 | 25 | 116 | 15 |
| 2020 | 23 | 82 | 0 |
| 2021 | 29 | 93 | 12 |
| 2022 | 28 | 77 | 19 |
| 2023 | 30 | 69 | 13 |
| 2024 | 12 | 24 | 0 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. 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 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Li's total volume across all insurers at roughly 120 to 150 procedures against the 36 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. 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, Franklin General Hospital, Trinity Regional Medical Center.
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.