Dr. Gary Knudson, MD
Contact & Location
Waterloo, IA 50702
Dr. Gary Knudson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Waterloo, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Knudson has performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#80 in Iowa) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 31 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Knudson performs below average in knee (16 vs 48 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Knudson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (16 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Waterloo is home to 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Waterloo area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Knudson's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 78 procedures in 2018 before settling at 31 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Knudson's 16 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. Knudson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Knudson's recorded volume peaked at 78 procedures in 2018 and stood at 31 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.
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.
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. Knudson
How does Dr. Knudson's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Knudson has performed 31 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. Knudson ranks #80 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Knudson perform?
Dr. Knudson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Knudson in Waterloo?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo 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. Knudson 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. Knudson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 31 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Knudson's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Knudson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 78 procedures in 2018 and was 31 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. Knudson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Knudson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (16 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Knudson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Knudson is affiliated with Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center, Mercyone Cedar Falls Medical Center, Waverly Health Center.
How does Dr. Knudson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo, Dr. Knudson ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Waterloo has 111 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Knudson practices?
Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mercyone Cedar Falls Medical Center (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Waverly Health Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Waterloo, Iowa
Dr. Knudson's 31 Medicare procedures are below the Waterloo average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Waterloo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Eagan | 111 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Bartelt | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Gorsche | 69 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Richard Naylor | 46 | Hip, 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.