Dr. Katie Smeltzer, DO
Contact & Location
Kansas City, KS 66112
Dr. Katie Smeltzer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kansas City, Kansas. Dr. Smeltzer has performed 32 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#41 in Kansas) and 24 knee replacements, for a combined total of 56 procedures.
In Kansas, Dr. Smeltzer performs near average in hip (32 vs 40 avg), below average in knee (24 vs 62 avg).
Dr. Smeltzer's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (32 cases) and knee replacements (24 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. Smeltzer first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Smeltzer's 32 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. Smeltzer Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kansas state average.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Smeltzer
How does Dr. Smeltzer's procedure volume compare to other Kansas surgeons?
Dr. Smeltzer has performed 56 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Kansas average is 85 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Smeltzer ranks #61 out of 110 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Smeltzer perform?
Dr. Smeltzer's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (32 cases) and knee replacement (24 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Smeltzer 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. Smeltzer 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. Smeltzer's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 56 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Smeltzer perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Smeltzer's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (32 cases), knee replacement (24 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Smeltzer affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Smeltzer is affiliated with Providence Medical Center, Saint John Hospital.
How does Dr. Smeltzer compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kansas City?
Among the 8 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas City, Dr. Smeltzer ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Smeltzer is among the highest-volume surgeons in Kansas City.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Smeltzer practices?
Providence Medical Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). 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. Smeltzer's 56 Medicare procedures are below 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. Aaron Althaus | 104 | 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.