Dr. Robert Bartelt, M.D.
Contact & Location
319-833-5381
Waterloo, IA 50703
Dr. Bartelt performs more knee replacement procedures than 72% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #25 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Bartelt
Practice. Dr. Robert Bartelt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Waterloo, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 59 knee replacements and 23 hip replacements, 82 procedures in all. That is #25 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 21 procedures a year to 82, up 290%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 59 procedures is above 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 21 |
| 2014 | 0 | 15 |
| 2015 | 11 | 12 |
| 2016 | 0 | 20 |
| 2017 | 0 | 23 |
| 2018 | 13 | 30 |
| 2019 | 0 | 38 |
| 2020 | 13 | 26 |
| 2021 | 18 | 48 |
| 2022 | 11 | 44 |
| 2023 | 19 | 61 |
| 2024 | 23 | 59 |
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. Bartelt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bartelt's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 290% from 21 procedures in 2013 to 82 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. Bartelt
How does Dr. Bartelt's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Bartelt has performed 82 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bartelt ranks #35 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bartelt perform?
Dr. Bartelt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases) and hip replacement (23 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bartelt 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. Bartelt 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. Bartelt's total volume across all insurers at roughly 280 to 350 procedures against the 82 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. Bartelt's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bartelt's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2013 to 82 in the most recent data, a 290% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 82 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Bartelt perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bartelt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (59 cases), hip replacement (23 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Bartelt affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Bartelt is affiliated with Allen Hospital, Grundy County Memorial Hospital, Waverly Health Center, Community Memorial Hospital Medical Center, Virginia Gay Hospital.
How does Dr. Bartelt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo?
Among the 5 orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo, Dr. Bartelt ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Bartelt is among the highest-volume surgeons in Waterloo.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Bartelt practices?
Allen Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Grundy County Memorial Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Waverly Health 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. Bartelt's 82 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. Mark Gorsche | 69 | Knee, Shoulder |
| 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.