Dr. Aaron Althaus, M.D.
Contact & Location
Kansas City, KS 66160
Dr. Aaron Althaus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kansas City, Kansas. A Medicare provider since 2009, Dr. Althaus has performed 66 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#35 in Kansas) and 38 hip replacements, for a combined total of 104 procedures.
In Kansas, Dr. Althaus performs near average in knee (66 vs 62 avg), near average in hip (38 vs 40 avg).
Dr. Althaus's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (66 cases) and hip replacements (38 cases).
Kansas City is home to 8 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Kansas City area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Althaus also maintains hospital privileges in IA and SD, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Kansas.
Medicare records for Dr. Althaus extend back to 2017, covering 8 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 37 to 104 in the most recent data, a 181% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Althaus's 66 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Althaus Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Althaus's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 181% from 37 procedures in 2017 to 104 in the most recent data.
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.
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. Althaus
How does Dr. Althaus's procedure volume compare to other Kansas surgeons?
Dr. Althaus has performed 104 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Kansas average of 85 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Althaus ranks #35 out of 110 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Althaus perform?
Dr. Althaus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases) and hip replacement (38 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Althaus in Kansas City?
Yes. There are 8 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas City 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 Kansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Althaus 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. Althaus's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 104 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Althaus's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Althaus's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 37 procedures in 2017 to 104 in the most recent data, a 181% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 118 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Althaus perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Althaus's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (66 cases), hip replacement (38 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Althaus affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Althaus is affiliated with Floyd Valley Healthcare, Dunes Surgical Hospital, St Lukes Regional Medical Center. Dr. Althaus maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Althaus compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kansas City?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas City, Dr. Althaus ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Althaus is among the highest-volume surgeons in Kansas City.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Althaus practices?
Floyd Valley Healthcare (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Dunes Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Lukes Regional Medical Center (1 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 Kansas City, Kansas
Dr. Althaus's 104 Medicare procedures are above the Kansas City average of 57. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kansas City.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Anderson | 134 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Katie Smeltzer | 56 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Matthew De Ruyter | 45 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kyle Sweeney | 22 | Hip |
| Dr. John Schroeppel | 18 | Knee |
| Dr. Mitchell Birt | 17 | 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.