Dr. Mark Gorsche, M.D.
Contact & Location
319-833-5381
Waterloo, IA 50703
Dr. Gorsche performs more knee replacement procedures than 57% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #38 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Gorsche
Practice. Dr. Mark Gorsche is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Waterloo, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 48 knee replacements and 21 shoulder replacements, 69 procedures in all. That is #38 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2013.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2019 to 2024, 6 years. Volume rose from 36 procedures a year to 69, up 92%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 48 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Waterloo has 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 23 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| 2021 | 14 | 29 | 0 |
| 2022 | 20 | 26 | 0 |
| 2023 | 24 | 38 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 48 | 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 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. Gorsche Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Gorsche's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 92% from 36 procedures in 2019 to 69 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 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Gorsche
How does Dr. Gorsche's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Gorsche has performed 69 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Gorsche ranks #46 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Gorsche perform?
Dr. Gorsche's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (48 cases) and shoulder replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Gorsche in Waterloo?
Yes. There are 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo 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. Gorsche 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. Gorsche's total volume across all insurers at roughly 230 to 280 procedures against the 69 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. Gorsche's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Gorsche's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 36 procedures in 2019 to 69 in the most recent data, a 92% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 69 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Gorsche perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Gorsche's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (48 cases), shoulder replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Gorsche affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Gorsche is affiliated with Allen Hospital, Waverly Health Center, Community Memorial Hospital Medical Center, Mercyone New Hampton Medical Center, Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Gorsche compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo, Dr. Gorsche ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Gorsche is among the highest-volume surgeons in Waterloo.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Gorsche practices?
Allen Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Waverly Health Center (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Community Memorial Hospital 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 Waterloo, Iowa
Dr. Gorsche's 69 Medicare procedures are above the Waterloo average of 68. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Waterloo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Eagan | 111 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Robert Bartelt | 82 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Naylor | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Knudson | 31 | Hip, Knee |
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.