Dr. Eric Potthoff, D.O.
Contact & Location
Mason City, IA 50401
Dr. Eric Potthoff is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Mason City, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Potthoff has performed 17 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#77 in Iowa) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 32 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Potthoff performs below average in knee (17 vs 48 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Potthoff's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (17 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Mason City is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Mason City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Potthoff's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 68 procedures in 2017 before settling at 32 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Potthoff's 17 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. Potthoff Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Potthoff's recorded volume peaked at 68 procedures in 2017 and stood at 32 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Potthoff
How does Dr. Potthoff's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Potthoff has performed 32 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. Potthoff ranks #79 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Potthoff perform?
Dr. Potthoff's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (17 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Potthoff in Mason City?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Mason City 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. Potthoff 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. Potthoff's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 32 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Potthoff's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Potthoff's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 68 procedures in 2017 and was 32 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. Potthoff perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Potthoff's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (17 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Potthoff compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Mason City?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Mason City, Dr. Potthoff ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Mason City has 106 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Mason City, Iowa
Dr. Potthoff's 32 Medicare procedures are below the Mason City average of 53. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Mason City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darron Jones | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rattay | 66 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Gibbons | 52 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Scherb | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mihail Radulescu | 27 | 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.