Dr. Thomas Greenwald, M.D.
Contact & Location
515-239-4475
Ames, IA 50010
About Dr. Greenwald
Dr. Thomas Greenwald is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Greenwald performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #79 in Iowa.
In Iowa, Dr. Greenwald performs below the state average in knee (16 vs 48).
Dr. Greenwald's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 16 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Ames is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Ames area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Greenwald's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2016 before settling at 16 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Greenwald's 16 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 | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 45 |
| 2014 | 36 |
| 2015 | 42 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2018 | 45 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 16 |
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. Greenwald Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Greenwald's recorded volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2016 and stood at 16 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Greenwald
How does Dr. Greenwald's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Greenwald has performed 16 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. Greenwald ranks #100 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Greenwald perform?
Dr. Greenwald's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Greenwald in Ames?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Ames 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. Greenwald 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. Greenwald's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 16 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Greenwald's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Greenwald's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2016 and was 16 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.
How does Dr. Greenwald compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Ames?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Ames, Dr. Greenwald ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Ames has 242 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Ames, Iowa
Dr. Greenwald's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Ames average of 77. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Stefl | 242 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Kohler | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Sneller | 70 | Knee |
| Dr. Betsey Bean | 24 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Bryan Warme | 22 | Shoulder |
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.