#72 in Iowa
Knee

Dr. Thomas Greenwald, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
27 procedures Ames, IA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 27 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Thomas Greenwald is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Ames, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Greenwald has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #72 in Iowa.

In Iowa, Dr. Greenwald performs below average in knee (27 vs 50 avg).

Dr. Greenwald's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 27 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 5 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 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2016 before settling at 27 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 27 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
27 verified cases
#72 in Iowa
Estimated total: 70 – 80 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Knee Below Avg
27 Avg: 50
Dr. Greenwald Iowa Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 515-239-4475
1215 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
NPI: 1497743314
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Greenwald's recorded volume peaked at 59 procedures in 2016 and stood at 27 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 27
Peak Volume 59 (2016)
Trend Declining

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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 27 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 #94 out of 114 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 27 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 5 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 27 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 27 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 5 orthopedic surgeons in Ames, Dr. Greenwald ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Ames has 208 verified Medicare procedures.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Ames, Iowa

Dr. Greenwald's 27 Medicare procedures are below the Ames average of 71. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Ames.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Michael Stefl 208 Hip, Knee
Dr. David Sneller 68 Knee
Dr. James Kohler 41 Hip, Knee
Dr. Bryan Warme 13 Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Thomas Greenwald, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-thomas-greenwald-ames.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ia/dr-thomas-greenwald-ames.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.