Dr. Aaron Altenburg, MD
Dr. Aaron Altenburg is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Pocatello, Idaho. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Altenburg has performed 97 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#4 in Idaho) and 72 hip replacements, for a combined total of 169 procedures.
In Idaho, Dr. Altenburg performs well above average in knee (97 vs 39 avg), well above average in hip (72 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Altenburg's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (97 cases) and hip replacements (72 cases).
Pocatello is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Pocatello area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Altenburg's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 240 procedures in 2013 before settling at 169 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Altenburg's 97 verified procedures is more than 2x the national average of 45.
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. Altenburg Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Idaho state average.
Contact & Location
Pocatello, ID 83201
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Altenburg's recorded volume peaked at 240 procedures in 2013 and stood at 169 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Altenburg
How does Dr. Altenburg's procedure volume compare to other Idaho surgeons?
Dr. Altenburg has performed 169 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Idaho average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Altenburg ranks #2 out of 69 orthopedic surgeons in Idaho.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Altenburg perform?
Dr. Altenburg's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (97 cases) and hip replacement (72 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Altenburg with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Altenburg ranks #4 in Idaho for knee replacement with 97 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 69 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Altenburg in Pocatello?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Pocatello 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 Idaho surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Altenburg 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. Altenburg's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 169 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Altenburg's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Altenburg's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 240 procedures in 2013 and was 169 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. Altenburg perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Altenburg's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (97 cases), hip replacement (72 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Altenburg affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Altenburg is affiliated with Mountain View Hospital, Idaho Falls Community Hospital, Llc, Nell J Redfield Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Altenburg compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Pocatello?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Pocatello, Dr. Altenburg ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Altenburg has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Altenburg practices?
Mountain View Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Idaho Falls Community Hospital, Llc (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Pocatello, Idaho
Dr. Altenburg's 169 Medicare procedures are above the Pocatello average of 88. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Pocatello.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Richard Wathne | 52 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Gregory Ford | 43 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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