Dr. Michael Scherb, M.D.
Contact & Location
641-494-5210
Mason City, IA 50401
Dr. Scherb performs more knee replacement procedures than 18% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #73 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Scherb
Practice. Dr. Michael Scherb is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Mason City, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 18 knee replacements and 15 hip replacements, 33 procedures in all. That is #73 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 16 procedures a year to 33, up 106%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 18 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Mason City has 6 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 | 16 |
| 2014 | 15 | 12 |
| 2015 | 18 | 25 |
| 2016 | 0 | 18 |
| 2017 | 16 | 23 |
| 2018 | 19 | 18 |
| 2019 | 24 | 12 |
| 2020 | 11 | 12 |
| 2021 | 0 | 14 |
| 2022 | 28 | 0 |
| 2023 | 14 | 36 |
| 2024 | 15 | 18 |
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. Scherb Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Scherb's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 106% from 16 procedures in 2013 to 33 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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.
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. Scherb
How does Dr. Scherb's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Scherb has performed 33 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. Scherb ranks #78 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Scherb perform?
Dr. Scherb's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Scherb in Mason City?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Mason City 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. Scherb 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. Scherb's total volume across all insurers at roughly 110 to 140 procedures against the 33 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. Scherb's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Scherb's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2013 to 33 in the most recent data, a 106% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 50 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Scherb perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Scherb's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Scherb affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Scherb is affiliated with Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Franklin General Hospital.
How does Dr. Scherb compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Mason City?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Mason City, Dr. Scherb ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Mason City has 106 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Scherb practices?
Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ottumwa Regional Health Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Mason City, Iowa
Dr. Scherb's 33 Medicare procedures are below the Mason City average of 53. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Mason City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Darron Jones | 106 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Rattay | 66 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Timothy Gibbons | 52 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Eric Potthoff | 32 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mihail Radulescu | 27 | 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.