Dr. Wesley Smidt, MD
Dr. Wesley Smidt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Des Moines, Iowa. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Smidt has performed 27 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#71 in Iowa) and 13 hip replacements, for a combined total of 40 procedures.
In Iowa, Dr. Smidt performs below average in knee (27 vs 50 avg), below average in hip (13 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Smidt's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (27 cases) and hip replacements (13 cases).
Des Moines is home to 11 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Des Moines area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Smidt's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 92 procedures in 2017 before settling at 40 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Smidt'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
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. Smidt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Iowa state average.
Contact & Location
Des Moines, IA 50316
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Smidt's recorded volume peaked at 92 procedures in 2017 and stood at 40 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 40 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 #82 out of 114 orthopedic surgeons in Iowa.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smidt perform?
Dr. Smidt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (27 cases) and hip replacement (13 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 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. Smidt's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 40 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Smidt's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Smidt's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 92 procedures in 2017 and was 40 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 (27 cases), hip replacement (13 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 223 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Smidt's 40 Medicare procedures are below the Des Moines average of 139. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Des Moines.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Vittetoe | 223 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Matthes | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Mahoney | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Wilke | 157 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benjamin Beecher | 110 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ian Lin | 100 | Hip, Knee |
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