Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst, D.O.
Contact & Location
515-224-1414
Ankeny, IA 50021
Urbandale, IA 50322
Dr. Brunkhorst performs more shoulder replacement procedures than 44% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #21 of 38 ranked shoulder surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Brunkhorst
Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ankeny, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Brunkhorst performed 21 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #21 in Iowa.
In Iowa, Dr. Brunkhorst performs near the state average in shoulder (21 vs 26).
Dr. Brunkhorst's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 21 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 4 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 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 21 in the most recent data, a 75% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Brunkhorst's 21 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,217 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 21 |
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 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. Brunkhorst Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Brunkhorst's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 75% from 12 procedures in 2018 to 21 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 21 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 #91 out of 105 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 21 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Brunkhorst in Ankeny?
Yes. There are 4 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 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 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Brunkhorst's total volume across all insurers at roughly 60 to 70 procedures against the 21 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. Brunkhorst's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Brunkhorst's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2018 to 21 in the most recent data, a 75% increase over 7 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.
How does Dr. Brunkhorst compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ankeny?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Ankeny, Dr. Brunkhorst ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Brunkhorst is among the highest-volume surgeons in Ankeny.
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 21 Medicare procedures are below the Ankeny average of 79. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ankeny.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Isaacson | 253 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Bannister | 26 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Alexander Volkmar | 17 | Hip |
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.