Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Mahoney, Orthopedic Surgeon in Des Moines, IA?
Orthopaedic Surgeon | 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Craig R. Mahoney, MD, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor, marking the 13th year he has received this prestigious designation. Each year, only 7% of the nation’s licensed physicians are selected as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, based on peer nominations and a rigorous physician-led review process.
Dr. Mahoney is an orthopaedic surgeon with Iowa Ortho, a leading practice recognized for advancing joint replacement care and improving patient outcomes through clinical excellence and healthcare innovation. He currently serves as Physician Leader and Vice President of the Orthopaedic Service Line at MercyOne and is a partner at the Iowa Orthopaedic Center.
“I am honored to be recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. With more than 23 years of dedicated practice and over 8,000 successful hip and knee replacements, my philosophy focuses on exhausting nonsurgical options before recommending joint replacement surgery. My goal is not only to improve mobility and reduce pain, but to enhance each patient’s overall quality of life through evidence-based techniques that emphasize long-term outcomes.”
— Craig R. Mahoney, MD
Areas of Expertise & Procedures
Dr. Mahoney performs a wide range of advanced joint reconstruction procedures, including:
- Total Hip Arthroplasty
- Total Knee Arthroplasty
- Hip and Knee Revision Surgery
- Computer-Navigated Joint Replacement
- Impaction Grafting
- Vascular Management in Rotationplasty
Education & Training
- Doctor of Medicine – University of Iowa College of Medicine, 1995
- Orthopaedic Surgery Residency – Creighton/University of Nebraska Health Foundation, 2001
o Included a dedicated one-year orthopaedic research fellowship - Fellowship in Adult Reconstruction – Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, 2002
Research, Publications & Leadership
Dr. Mahoney has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with work published in leading journals such as The Journal of Arthroplasty and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research.
His leadership roles include:
- President, Mid-America Orthopaedic Association
- President, Iowa Orthopaedic Society
- Member, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Board of Councilors (six-year term)
About Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Castle Connolly Top Doctors are nominated by peer physicians and selected by a physician-led research team using a rigorous, independent evaluation process that considers professional achievements, clinical excellence, and leadership within the medical community.
o Included a dedicated one-year orthopaedic research fellowship
WebsiteWhat are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Mahoney?
Dr. Craig Mahoney, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions and procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Mahoney empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Arthroscopic Surgery, Hip & Knee Surgery, and comprehensive wellness support. Serving the Des Moines, IA community, Dr. Mahoney is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Mahoney go to medical school and complete their residency?
Residency: Hosp For Special Surg, Adult Reconstructive Orthopedics; Univ Of Ne Med Ctr, Orthopedic Surgery
Medical School: University Of Ia Coll Of Med- Iowa City Ia | Roy J Lucille A Carver College of Medicine At University of Iowa,Iowa City, Ia, United States
Is Dr. Mahoney board certified as an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Yes, Dr. Craig Mahoney, MD is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
What languages does Dr. Mahoney speak?
Dr. Mahoney and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Spanish
What conditions does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Mahoney typically treat?
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mahoney diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Mahoney. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Osteoarthritis of the left knee
- Primary Osteoarthritis in Right Knee
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Wear-and-tear arthritis
- Arthrosis
- Joint degeneration
- Right Knee Arthritis
- Right Knee Degenerative Joint Disease
ICD-10 Codes:
- M1712: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, left knee
- M1711: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee
Also known as:
- Pain in Left Knee
- Pain in Right Knee
- Knee Injuries and Disorder
- Pain
- Left Knee Ache
- Left Knee Discomfort
- Sore Left Knee
- Right Knee Ache
- Right Knee Discomfort
- Sore Right Knee
ICD-10 Codes:
- M25562: Pain in left knee
- M25561: Pain in right knee
Also known as:
- Joint Replacement Aftercare
- Hip Replacement
- Joint Disorder
- Knee Replacement
- Post-joint replacement care
- Joint surgery recovery
- Orthopedic aftercare
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z471: Aftercare following joint replacement surgery
What procedures does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Mahoney typically perform?
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mahoney performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Mahoney. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Total Knee Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Total Knee Arthroplasty
- Knee Joint Replacement
- Full Knee Replacement
- TKA Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 27447: Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial AND lateral compartments with or without patella resurfacing (total knee arthroplasty)
Also known as:
- Total Hip Replacement
- Hip Replacement
- Hip arthroplasty
- Artificial hip surgery
- Hip joint replacement
- Femoral head replacement
CPT Codes:
- 27130: Arthroplasty, acetabular and proximal femoral prosthetic replacement (total hip arthroplasty), with or without autograft or allograft
Also known as:
- Knee Arthroscopy with Meniscus and Cartilage Repair
- Endoscopy
- Knee Scope with Meniscectomy
- Knee Cartilage Shaving
- Arthroscopic Knee Debridement
- Knee scope with meniscectomy
- Arthroscopic knee surgery
- Cartilage shaving knee
- Meniscus repair knee arthroscopy
CPT Codes:
- 29881: Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed
- 29880: Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed
Also known as:
- Joint or Bursa Injection/Fluid Removal
- Arthrocentesis
- Major Joint Aspiration
- Bursa Injection
- Joint Fluid Removal
CPT Codes:
- 20610: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); without ultrasound guidance
Also known as:
- Knee Manipulation Under Anesthesia
- Anesthesia
- Knee Joint Manipulation
- Knee Mobilization Under Sedation
- Knee Adhesion Release (Anesthesia)
CPT Codes:
- 27570: Manipulation of knee joint under general anesthesia (includes application of traction or other fixation devices)
Also known as:
- Femoral Nerve Block Injection
- Femoral nerve injection
- Thigh nerve block
- Pain relief injection for thigh
- Nerve block with imaging guidance
CPT Codes:
- 64447: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; femoral nerve, including imaging guidance, when performed
Does Dr. Mahoney accept my insurance?
Dr. Mahoney accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Mahoney accept in Des Moines, IA?
Dr. Mahoney in Des Moines, IA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
All Other Third Party
American Enterprise Group
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Federal government of the United States
Medicare
Oscar Health
State of Iowa
UnitedHealth Group
Unknown
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Mahoney's office located?
What is Dr. Mahoney's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Mahoney's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1770544165.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Mahoney?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Mahoney
What is Dr. Craig Mahoney's specialty?
Dr. Mahoney is a Orthopedic Surgeon near Des Moines, IA.
What does an Orthopedic Surgeon do?
An orthopedic surgeon has specialization in preserving, investigating, and restoring the form and function of the extremities, spine, and related structures through medical, surgical, and physical methods. They care for patients with musculoskeletal issues, including congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances, and degenerative diseases affecting the spine, hands, feet, knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows in both children and adults. Additionally, orthopedic surgeons address primary and secondary muscular problems and the impact of central or peripheral nervous system lesions on the musculoskeletal system.
Is this Dr. Craig Mahoney affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Mahoney is affiliated with Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see an Orthopedic Surgeon?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see an Orthopedic Surgeon. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Craig Mahoney accepting new patients in Des Moines, IA?
Yes, Dr. Craig Mahoney is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Craig Mahoney offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Mahoney's office for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Craig Mahoney?
Please contact Dr. Mahoney's office for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. Craig Mahoney have?
Dr. Craig Mahoney is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
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