#45 Knee
#67 Hip

Dr. John Leupold, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
58 procedures 5 hospitals Spirit Lake, IA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 14 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 44 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. John Leupold is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spirit Lake, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Leupold has performed 44 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#45 in Iowa) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 58 procedures.

In Iowa, Dr. Leupold performs near average in knee (44 vs 50 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 35 avg).

Dr. Leupold's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 76% of reported Medicare volume.

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.

Medicare records for Dr. Leupold extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 21 to 58 in the most recent data, a 176% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Leupold's 44 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
44 verified cases
#45 in Iowa
Hip Replacement
14 verified cases
#67 in Iowa
Estimated total: 160 – 180 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Hip Below Avg
14 Avg: 35
Knee Average
44 Avg: 50
Dr. Leupold Iowa Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 712-336-1230
2301 Highway 71 South
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
NPI: 1548290182
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Leupold's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 176% from 21 procedures in 2013 to 58 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 58
Peak Volume 58 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Lakes Regional Healthcare
★★☆☆☆
Spirit Lake, IA
Above national avg
H
Avera Holy Family Hospital
Estherville, IA
Similar to national avg
H
Spencer Municipal Hospital
★★★★☆
Spencer, IA
Similar to national avg
H
Palo Alto County Hospital
Emmetsburg, IA
H
Avera Mckennan Hospital & University Health Center
★★★☆☆
Sioux Falls, SD
Similar to national avg

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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 58 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 #63 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Leupold perform?

Dr. Leupold's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases) and hip replacement (14 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 58 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Leupold's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Leupold's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2013 to 58 in the most recent data, a 176% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 58 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Leupold perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Leupold's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (44 cases), hip replacement (14 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 Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. John Leupold, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-john-leupold-spirit-lake.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-john-leupold-spirit-lake.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.