Dr. Seth Harrer, M.D.
Contact & Location
712-213-8050
Storm Lake, IA 50588
Dr. Harrer performs more knee replacement procedures than 44% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #50 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Harrer
Practice. Dr. Seth Harrer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Storm Lake, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 34 knee replacements and 17 hip replacements, 51 procedures in all. That is #50 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2010.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 9 years. Volume peaked at 91 in 2019 and stands at 51 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 34 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true 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 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. 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 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. Harrer's total volume across all insurers at roughly 170 to 220 procedures against the 51 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. 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.