Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Iowa (2026)

Modest savings vs. the US average · IA

Iowa Average
$33,425
Typical Range
$19,100 – $47,750
National Average
$35,000
▼ -4.5% below national average

Knee Replacement Surgery in Iowa: What to Know

Iowa boasts a high rate of total knee replacement surgery, 1.5 times higher than Florida, indicating significant expertise. Patients seeking top-tier care can consider University of Iowa Health Care and MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, both recognized as Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Distinction® Center+ for high-quality knee and hip replacement. For complex cases, physicians across Iowa often refer to University of Iowa Health Care. Robotic-assisted surgery, using systems like Stryker Mako and ROSA, is available at facilities such as Iowa Ortho and PCI Orthopedics in Cedar Rapids.

To potentially save on costs, explore ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) like Iowa City Ambulatory Surgical Center or Iowa Ortho's River Hills ASC for same-day procedures. These often provide savings and may have lower infection rates. Minimally invasive techniques, aiming for faster recovery, are also widely available. Verify current pricing directly with providers.

Estimated Cost Breakdown in Iowa

You'll pay a bit less for knee replacement surgery in Iowa compared to the national average. Here's how costs are distributed.

ComponentEstimated Range
Facility Fee $7,018 - $13,036
Surgeon Fee $7,018 - $13,036
Implants Supplies $3,509 - $6,518
Post Op Care $3,509 - $6,518
Anesthesia $2,340 - $4,345
Total Estimated Cost $19,100 – $47,750

Based on CMS Medicare data and regional price parities. Learn about our methodology →

Ranges adjusted for Iowa's regional price parity (95.5). See the national percentage breakdown →

Facility Costs in Iowa

Iowa has both hospital and outpatient surgery center options for knee replacement surgery. Outpatient centers typically charge less due to lower overhead. Rates shown are negotiated amounts — what insurers actually pay, not inflated list prices.

Facility City Negotiated Rate Medicare Payment Volume
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi Des Moines $11,652 $10,052 947
Mercy Hospital Iowa City $12,226 $10,626 650
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center Des Moines $11,587 $9,987 640
Genesis Medical Center-Davenport Davenport $11,614 $10,012 424
Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center Dubuque $12,794 $11,191 375
University Of Iowa Hospital & Clinics Iowa City $11,813 $10,215 373
Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids $11,823 $10,222 372
St Lukes Hospital Cedar Rapids $11,793 $10,192 353
Mary Greeley Medical Center Ames $11,523 $9,922 325
Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center Mason City $12,654 $11,052 271
Facility City Negotiated Rate Medicare Payment Volume
Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi Des Moines $13,315 $11,139 465
Genesis Medical Center-Davenport Davenport $13,114 $11,061 113
Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center Waterloo $13,753 $11,556 77
Spencer Municipal Hospital Spencer $15,003 $13,489 72
Mercyone Cedar Falls Medical Center Cedar Falls $11,853 $9,616 64
Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center Mason City $13,825 $12,250 60
Mercy Medical Center - Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids $12,962 $11,548 50
Lakes Regional Healthcare Spirit Lake $13,390 $11,860 45
Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center Des Moines $13,000 $11,405 44
St Lukes Hospital Cedar Rapids $12,837 $11,382 32

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in Neighboring States

Neighboring states offer a range of knee replacement surgery pricing. Iowa falls in the middle of the pack.

Knee Replacement Surgery in Iowa: Common Questions

How much does knee replacement surgery cost in Iowa?
In Iowa, knee replacement surgery runs about $33,425 on average. Most patients pay between $19,100 and $47,750, with the final price shaped by your choice of surgeon, facility type, and procedure complexity.
Can I use insurance for knee replacement surgery in Iowa?
Most insurance plans cover knee replacement surgery when it's deemed medically necessary. You'll typically need pre-authorization from your insurer, and staying in-network with a Iowa provider will minimize your out-of-pocket share.
When can I return to work after knee replacement surgery?
Most Iowa patients need 42 to 120 days to fully recover from knee replacement surgery. Your surgeon will schedule follow-ups during this window to monitor healing. At Iowa's cost of living (RPP 95.5), lost wages during recovery can be a significant hidden cost — budget for that alongside the procedure itself.
What payment options exist for knee replacement surgery in Iowa?
Many Iowa providers offer financing through medical credit companies like CareCredit or Prosper Healthcare Lending. You can also use HSA/FSA funds, negotiate a cash-pay discount (often 10-20% off), or ask about in-house payment plans that split the $33,425 cost into monthly installments.
How do I compare knee replacement surgery facilities in Iowa?
Start with case volume — facilities that perform more procedures generally have better outcomes. In Iowa, also compare hospital vs. ambulatory surgery center pricing (ASCs can be 30-50% cheaper) and check whether your insurance network includes the facility.
Can I save by getting knee replacement surgery in a neighboring state?
Crossing into Missouri could save you $1,295 on knee replacement surgery. That's $32,130 vs. Iowa's $33,425. The key logistics to sort out: does your insurance cover Missouri providers, and can your Iowa doctor handle follow-up care after the procedure?
Does Iowa Medicaid cover knee replacement surgery?
Medicaid in Iowa can cover knee replacement surgery when there's a documented medical need. The key is pre-authorization — your physician will need to submit clinical justification to your managed care organization before the procedure is approved.

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