Dr. John Leupold, M.D.
Contact & Location
712-336-1230
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Dr. Leupold performs more knee replacement procedures than 25% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #67 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Leupold
Practice. Dr. John Leupold is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 23 knee replacements and 11 shoulder replacements, 34 procedures in all. That is #67 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 58 in 2023 and stands at 34 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 23 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 21 | 0 |
| 2014 | 12 | 16 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| 2016 | 11 | 19 | 0 |
| 2017 | 13 | 22 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 39 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 38 | 0 |
| 2020 | 12 | 28 | 0 |
| 2021 | 13 | 34 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 39 | 13 |
| 2023 | 14 | 44 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 23 | 11 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Leupold's total volume across all insurers at roughly 110 to 140 procedures against the 34 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
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, Kossuth Regional Health Center.
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.