Dr. Jacob Elkins, MD, PHD
Contact & Location
Iowa City, IA 52242
Dr. Jacob Elkins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Iowa City, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Elkins has performed 62 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#10 in Iowa) and 44 knee replacements, for a combined total of 106 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Elkins performs above average in hip (62 vs 36 avg), near average in knee (44 vs 48 avg).
Dr. Elkins's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (62 cases) and knee replacements (44 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Elkins holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Iowa City is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Iowa City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Elkins extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 106 in the most recent data, a 864% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Elkins's 62 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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. Elkins Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Elkins's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 864% from 11 procedures in 2018 to 106 in the most recent data.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Elkins
How does Dr. Elkins's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Elkins has performed 106 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Elkins ranks #25 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Elkins perform?
Dr. Elkins's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (62 cases) and knee replacement (44 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Elkins with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Elkins ranks #10 in Iowa for hip replacement with 62 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 105 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Elkins in Iowa City?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa 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. Elkins 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. Elkins's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 106 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Elkins's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Elkins's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2018 to 106 in the most recent data, a 864% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 106 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Elkins perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Elkins's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (62 cases), knee replacement (44 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Elkins affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Elkins is affiliated with University Of Iowa Health Care Medical Center.
How does Dr. Elkins compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Iowa City?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa City, Dr. Elkins ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Elkins is among the highest-volume surgeons in Iowa City.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Elkins practices?
University Of Iowa Health Care Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, 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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Iowa City, Iowa
Dr. Elkins's 106 Medicare procedures are above the Iowa City average of 67. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Iowa City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicolas Noiseux | 136 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Bedard | 70 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brendan Patterson | 62 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Dallas Vanorny | 47 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Carender | 29 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Nepola | 21 | Shoulder |
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.