Dr. Kary Schulte, MD
Dr. Kary Schulte is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in West Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Schulte has performed 79 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements (#1 in Iowa) and 15 knee replacements, for a combined total of 94 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Schulte performs well above average in shoulder (79 vs 26 avg), below average in knee (15 vs 50 avg).
Dr. Schulte's practice is heavily focused on shoulder replacement surgery, which accounts for 84% of reported Medicare volume.
West Des Moines is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the West Des Moines area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Schulte extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 75 to 94 in the most recent data, a 25% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,092 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Schulte's 79 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 28, ranking #75 nationally.
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. Schulte Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Schulte's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 25% from 75 procedures in 2013 to 94 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:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Schulte
How does Dr. Schulte's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Schulte has performed 94 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Schulte ranks #33 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Schulte perform?
Dr. Schulte's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (79 cases) and knee replacement (15 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Schulte with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Schulte ranks #1 in Iowa for shoulder replacement with 79 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 114 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Schulte in West Des Moines?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines 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. Schulte 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. Schulte's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 94 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Schulte's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Schulte's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 75 procedures in 2013 to 94 in the most recent data, a 25% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 132 procedures in 2017.
Does Dr. Schulte perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Schulte's Medicare data shows procedures in shoulder replacement (79 cases), knee replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Schulte affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Schulte is affiliated with Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Greene County Medical Center.
How does Dr. Schulte compare to other orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines, Dr. Schulte ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in West Des Moines has 175 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Schulte practices?
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Greene County Medical Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in West Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Schulte's 94 Medicare procedures are below the West Des Moines average of 116. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in West Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Barron Bremner | 175 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Dewall | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Nelson | 127 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Dulaney | 123 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nicholas Honkamp | 76 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kawsu Barry | 65 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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