Knee
Dr. Gerald Rieber, MD
Dr. Gerald Rieber is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Watertown, South Dakota. Dr. Rieber has performed 36 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #22 in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, Dr. Rieber performs near average in knee (36 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Rieber's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 36 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Watertown is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Watertown area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Rieber's Medicare record spans 8 years from 2016 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 35 to 53 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Rieber's 36 verified procedures is near 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. Rieber Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Contact & Location
Watertown, SD 57201
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rieber's procedure volume has been consistent across 8 years of Medicare data, ranging from 35 to 53 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Rieber
How does Dr. Rieber's procedure volume compare to other South Dakota surgeons?
Dr. Rieber has performed 36 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Dakota average is 72 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Rieber ranks #38 out of 51 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rieber perform?
Dr. Rieber's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 36 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Rieber in Watertown?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Watertown 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 South Dakota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Rieber 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. Rieber's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 36 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Rieber's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Rieber's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 8 years of Medicare data, ranging from 35 to 53 procedures per year between 2016 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Rieber affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Rieber is affiliated with Prairie Lakes Hospital, Milbank Area Hospital/Avera Health, Coteau Des Prairies Health Care System.
How does Dr. Rieber compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Watertown?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Watertown, Dr. Rieber ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Rieber has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Rieber practices?
Prairie Lakes Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Milbank Area Hospital/Avera Health (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 Watertown, South Dakota
Dr. Rieber's 36 Medicare procedures are above the Watertown average of 28. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Watertown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Casey Johnston | 34 | Knee |
| Dr. Michael Vener | 13 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.