Dr. Mark Isaacson, D.O.
Contact & Location
515-224-1414
Ankeny, IA 50021
Dr. Isaacson performs more knee replacement procedures than 96% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #3 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Isaacson
Practice. Dr. Mark Isaacson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ankeny, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 137 knee replacements and 116 hip replacements, 253 procedures in all. That is #3 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2009.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 9 years. Volume rose from 46 procedures a year to 253, up 450%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 137 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45.
Local context. Ankeny has 4 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 22 | 24 |
| 2017 | 29 | 38 |
| 2018 | 45 | 64 |
| 2019 | 66 | 72 |
| 2020 | 44 | 76 |
| 2021 | 65 | 90 |
| 2022 | 80 | 106 |
| 2023 | 75 | 145 |
| 2024 | 116 | 137 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Isaacson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Isaacson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 450% from 46 procedures in 2016 to 253 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA 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.
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. Isaacson
How does Dr. Isaacson's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Isaacson has performed 253 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 3x the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Isaacson ranks #1 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Isaacson perform?
Dr. Isaacson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (137 cases) and hip replacement (116 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Isaacson with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Isaacson ranks #3 in Iowa for knee replacement with 137 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 105 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Isaacson 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. Isaacson 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Isaacson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 840 to 1,060 procedures against the 253 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. Isaacson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Isaacson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 46 procedures in 2016 to 253 in the most recent data, a 450% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 253 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Isaacson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Isaacson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (137 cases), hip replacement (116 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Isaacson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Isaacson is affiliated with Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Mary Greeley Medical Center.
How does Dr. Isaacson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ankeny?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Ankeny, Dr. Isaacson ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Isaacson has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Isaacson practices?
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mary Greeley Medical Center (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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Ankeny, Iowa
Dr. Isaacson's 253 Medicare procedures are above the Ankeny average of 79. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ankeny.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jeffrey Bannister | 26 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst | 21 | 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.