Dr. Seth Harrer, MD
Contact & Location
712-213-8050
Storm Lake, IA 50588
About Dr. Harrer
Dr. Seth Harrer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Storm Lake, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2010, Dr. Harrer performed 34 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#50 in Iowa) and 17 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 51 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Harrer performs below the state average in knee (34 vs 48), below the state average in hip (17 vs 36).
Dr. Harrer's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (34 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).
Dr. Harrer is the only orthopedic surgeon in Storm Lake represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.
Dr. Harrer's Medicare data spans 9 years, beginning in 2016. Volume peaked at 91 procedures in 2019 before settling at 51 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Harrer's 34 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 21 |
| 2017 | 15 | 29 |
| 2018 | 0 | 35 |
| 2019 | 28 | 63 |
| 2020 | 11 | 30 |
| 2021 | 14 | 35 |
| 2022 | 11 | 36 |
| 2023 | 17 | 26 |
| 2024 | 17 | 34 |
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. Harrer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Harrer's recorded volume peaked at 91 procedures in 2019 and stood at 51 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Harrer
How does Dr. Harrer's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Harrer has performed 51 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. Harrer ranks #61 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Harrer perform?
Dr. Harrer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Where is Dr. Harrer's practice located?
Dr. Harrer practices in Storm Lake, Iowa. The office is located at 1525 W 5th St, Storm Lake, IA 50588. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Harrer for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Harrer 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. Harrer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 51 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Harrer's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Harrer's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 91 procedures in 2019 and was 51 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Harrer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Harrer's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (34 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Harrer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Harrer is affiliated with Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Cherokee Regional Medical Center, Horn Memorial Hospital, Loring Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Harrer practices?
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Cherokee Regional Medical 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.
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.