Dr. John Leupold, MD
Contact & Location
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Dr. John Leupold is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spirit Lake, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Leupold has performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#67 in Iowa) and 11 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 34 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Leupold performs below average in knee (23 vs 48 avg), below average in shoulder (11 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Leupold's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (23 cases) and shoulder replacements (11 cases).
Dr. Leupold is the only orthopedic surgeon in Spirit Lake represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area. Dr. Leupold also maintains hospital privileges in IA and SD, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Iowa.
Dr. Leupold's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 58 procedures in 2023 before settling at 34 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Leupold's 23 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. Leupold Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Leupold's recorded volume peaked at 58 procedures in 2023 and stood at 34 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.
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.
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. Leupold
How does Dr. Leupold's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Leupold has performed 34 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. Leupold ranks #77 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Leupold perform?
Dr. Leupold's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and shoulder replacement (11 cases).
Where is Dr. Leupold's practice located?
Dr. Leupold practices in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The office is located at 2301 Highway 71 South, Spirit Lake, IA 51360. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Leupold for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Leupold 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. Leupold's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 34 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Leupold's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Leupold's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 58 procedures in 2023 and was 34 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. Leupold perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Leupold's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Leupold affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Leupold is affiliated with Lakes Regional Healthcare, Avera Holy Family Hospital, Spencer Municipal Hospital, Palo Alto County Hospital, Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center. Dr. Leupold maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Leupold practices?
Lakes Regional Healthcare (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate above national average); Avera Holy Family Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Spencer Municipal Hospital (4 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.
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.