Shoulder
Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst, D.O.
Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ankeny, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Brunkhorst has performed 25 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #13 in Iowa.
In Iowa, Dr. Brunkhorst performs near average in shoulder (25 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Brunkhorst's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 25 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Ankeny is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Ankeny area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Brunkhorst extend back to 2018, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 25 in the most recent data, a 108% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Brunkhorst's 25 verified procedures is near the national average of 28.
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. Brunkhorst Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Ankeny, IA 50021
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Brunkhorst's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 108% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 25 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Brunkhorst
How does Dr. Brunkhorst's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Brunkhorst has performed 25 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. Brunkhorst ranks #98 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Brunkhorst perform?
Dr. Brunkhorst's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 25 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Brunkhorst with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Brunkhorst ranks #13 in Iowa for shoulder replacement with 25 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Brunkhorst in Ankeny?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Ankeny 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. Brunkhorst 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. Brunkhorst's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 25 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Brunkhorst's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Brunkhorst's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 25 in the most recent data, a 108% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 25 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Brunkhorst affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Brunkhorst is affiliated with Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Brunkhorst practices?
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi (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 Ankeny, Iowa
Dr. Brunkhorst's 25 Medicare procedures are below the Ankeny average of 123. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ankeny.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Isaacson | 220 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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