Dr. Nicholas Honkamp, M.D.
Contact & Location
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Dr. Nicholas Honkamp is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in West Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Honkamp has performed 42 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#43 in Iowa) and 23 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 65 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Honkamp performs near average in knee (42 vs 48 avg), near average in shoulder (23 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Honkamp's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (42 cases) and shoulder replacements (23 cases).
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. Honkamp extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 47 to 65 in the most recent data, a 38% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Honkamp's 42 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Honkamp Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Honkamp's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 38% from 47 procedures in 2013 to 65 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.
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.
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. Honkamp
How does Dr. Honkamp's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Honkamp has performed 65 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Honkamp ranks #48 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Honkamp perform?
Dr. Honkamp's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases) and shoulder replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Honkamp 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. Honkamp 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. Honkamp's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 65 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Honkamp's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Honkamp's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 47 procedures in 2013 to 65 in the most recent data, a 38% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 76 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Honkamp perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Honkamp's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases), shoulder replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Honkamp affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Honkamp is affiliated with Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi, Trinity Regional Medical Center.
How does Dr. Honkamp compare to other orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in West Des Moines, Dr. Honkamp ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in West Des Moines has 170 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Honkamp practices?
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Trinity Regional Medical Center (1 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 West Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Honkamp's 65 Medicare procedures are below the West Des Moines average of 115. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in West Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Barron Bremner | 170 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Dewall | 156 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Nelson | 144 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Dulaney | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kary Schulte | 92 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Kawsu Barry | 62 | 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.