Dr. Gerald Rieber, M.D.
Contact & Location
605-882-2630
Watertown, SD 57201
Dr. Rieber performs more knee replacement procedures than 31% of orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #33 of 48 ranked knee surgeons in South Dakota.
About Dr. Rieber
Practice. Dr. Gerald Rieber is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Watertown, South Dakota. The latest annual CMS data records 25 knee replacements and 18 hip replacements, 43 procedures in all. That is #33 in South Dakota for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2016 to 2024, 9 years. Volume rose from 37 procedures a year to 43, up 16%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 25 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Watertown has 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 19 | 18 | 0 |
| 2017 | 12 | 37 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 44 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 36 | 0 |
| 2020 | 13 | 22 | 0 |
| 2021 | 12 | 30 | 11 |
| 2022 | 17 | 33 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 36 | 0 |
| 2024 | 18 | 25 | 0 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Rieber Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Dakota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Rieber's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 16% from 37 procedures in 2016 to 43 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.
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 43 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The South Dakota average is 70 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Rieber ranks #33 out of 52 orthopedic surgeons in South Dakota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Rieber perform?
Dr. Rieber's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Rieber's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 180 procedures against the 43 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Rieber's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Rieber's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 37 procedures in 2016 to 43 in the most recent data, a 16% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Rieber perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Rieber's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (25 cases), hip replacement (18 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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, Sanford Clear Lake Medical Center, Sanford Webster Medical Center.
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 43 Medicare procedures are above the Watertown average of 30. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Watertown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Casey Johnston | 28 | Knee |
| Dr. Michael Vener | 18 | Knee |
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.