Dr. Robert Bartelt, MD
Dr. Robert Bartelt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Waterloo, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Bartelt has performed 61 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#27 in Iowa) and 19 hip replacements, for a combined total of 80 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Bartelt performs above average in knee (61 vs 50 avg), below average in hip (19 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Bartelt's practice is heavily focused on knee replacement surgery, which accounts for 76% of reported Medicare volume.
Waterloo is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Waterloo area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Bartelt extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 21 to 80 in the most recent data, a 281% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Bartelt's 61 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Bartelt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Waterloo, IA 50703
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Bartelt's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 281% from 21 procedures in 2013 to 80 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 80 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Iowa average of 73 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Bartelt ranks #38 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Bartelt perform?
Dr. Bartelt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (61 cases) and hip replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Bartelt in Waterloo?
Yes. There are 6 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 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. Bartelt's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 80 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Bartelt's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Bartelt's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 21 procedures in 2013 to 80 in the most recent data, a 281% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 80 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Bartelt perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Bartelt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (61 cases), hip replacement (19 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.
How does Dr. Bartelt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Waterloo?
Among the 6 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 80 Medicare procedures are above the Waterloo average of 62. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Waterloo.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Eagan | 98 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Richard Naylor | 64 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Gorsche | 62 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Gary Knudson | 55 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Gorsche | 12 | Hip |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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