Dr. Wesley Smidt, M.D.
Contact & Location
515-224-1414
Des Moines, IA 50316
Dr. Smidt performs more knee replacement procedures than 50% of orthopedic surgeons in Iowa, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #45 of 90 ranked knee surgeons in Iowa.
About Dr. Smidt
Practice. Dr. Wesley Smidt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Des Moines, Iowa. The latest annual CMS data records 37 knee replacements and 18 hip replacements, 55 procedures in all. That is #45 in Iowa for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 92 in 2017 and stands at 55 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 37 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Des Moines has 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 | 42 | 12 |
| 2014 | 15 | 48 | 0 |
| 2015 | 19 | 41 | 0 |
| 2016 | 30 | 51 | 0 |
| 2017 | 30 | 46 | 16 |
| 2018 | 36 | 35 | 0 |
| 2019 | 18 | 34 | 0 |
| 2020 | 17 | 18 | 0 |
| 2021 | 28 | 31 | 15 |
| 2022 | 23 | 52 | 14 |
| 2023 | 13 | 27 | 0 |
| 2024 | 18 | 37 | 0 |
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. Smidt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smidt's recorded volume peaked at 92 procedures in 2017 and stood at 55 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. Smidt
How does Dr. Smidt's procedure volume compare to other Iowa surgeons?
Dr. Smidt has performed 55 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. Smidt ranks #57 out of 105 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smidt perform?
Dr. Smidt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smidt in Des Moines?
Yes. There are 11 orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines 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. Smidt 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. Smidt's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 230 procedures against the 55 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. Smidt's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smidt's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 92 procedures in 2017 and was 55 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. Smidt perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smidt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Smidt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines?
Among the 11 orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines, Dr. Smidt ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Des Moines has 205 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Smidt's 55 Medicare procedures are below the Des Moines average of 119. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Vittetoe | 205 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Mahoney | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Matthes | 147 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Beecher | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kamaldeen Aderibigbe | 81 | Hip |
| Dr. Justin Khoriaty | 78 | 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.