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Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst, DO

Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst, DO

Orthopedic Surgery*
15+ years of experience

Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst, DO is an orthopedic surgeon in Ankeny, IA and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Brunkhorst has extensive experience in Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgery. He graduated from Des Moines University in 2006. He is affiliated with UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4.4 Star Rating
Based on 18 reviews 4.4 Star Rating (18 reviews)

Practice

350 NE 36th St Ankeny, IA 50021
Telehealth available

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At a Glance

  • Areas of Expertise
    Dr. Brunkhorst specializes in the areas of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Hospital Satisfaction
    Patients said they were highly satisfied at this doctor's hospital. See hospitals
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Dr. Brunkhorst's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Brunkhorst

4.4
18 ratings, 15 with a written review
5 star
83%
83%
4 star
0%
0%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
6%
6%
1 star
11%
11%

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Terrible Experience
contacted Joseph Brunkhorsts office for an independent medical evaluation for workers compensation. A second opinion as is my right by Iowa state law. The nurse was very helpful and had me contact the division of workers compensation to find out my rights. I did that and also got preauthorizatuon through my insurance. They asked me to have medical records sent over. Then I get a call saying multiple doctors reviewed my records and declined my case. They said they wouldn't do anything differently. Not sure what that means exactly. I just need a second opinion on an I.M.E. I'm a veteran and I know Dr. Brunkhorst is as well. That's one of the reasons I was hoping he would look at my leg that was broken in three places. I'm having trouble finding an orthopedic surgeon that will look at my case. The initial doctor I was sent to by my employers insurance company is trying to say my broken leg is somehow better than the one that wasn't. Even though it is sore every day I'm working.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Not recommended – Jun 02, 2024
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HIGHLY Recommend!
Dr. Brunkhorst was a second opinion for me in Oct. of 2022. He looked at my MRI and gave me his opinion of a torn rotator cuff. He suggested a cortisone shot and it worked 100%! He is trustworthy and knowledgeable! I highly recommend him!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Roxie – Feb 03, 2023
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Dr Brunkhorst is informative regarding treatment options, and listens to my concerns. He is kind and cares for his patient.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Lori Dustin – Dec 10, 2022
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Highly likely
Very straight forward with recommendations and explained surgery and recovery/therapy time very well. Very personable. We liked him very much.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Cheydog1 – Dec 06, 2022
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Good experience
I felt he was very thorough and professional. Explained what the x-rays showed and treatment at this time. Did not feel rushed and answered my questions and what I needed to follow through on. Very happy with his care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 03, 2022
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Dr Brunkhorst was very professional and a great listener. He made me feel at ease with the surgery and options
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Nov 15, 2022
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Proximal Clavicle Resection right side
Ever since meeting Dr Brunkhorst he has listened and made me feel at ease being in his care. He made sure that everything was in order and was very professional and personable at the same time.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nov 03, 2022
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Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Iowa
I have torn out my rotator cuff in each arm within the past eight years. Dr. Brunkhorst is soooo good. This last surgery proved to be more involved than the MRI indicated so an hour surgery turned into five hours BUT he took his time and repaired everything. In fact, he rebuilt my shoulder. God forbid I tear out a rotator cuff again, but, if I did, I would have him operate on me no matter what state or country I might be living in at the time.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Daniel L. Edmiston – Nov 01, 2022
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Very pleased with results of reverse total shoulder replacement. Easy to talk to and answered my questions. Excellent surgeon.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Oct 25, 2022
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Great Dr. Would recommend him to anyone.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Rick Harney – Oct 03, 2022
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New shoulder
Dr and his PA does excellent work and great care.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Oct 02, 2022
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One of the best doctor I’ve ever seen. He made me feel like he was about making sure I got back to normal as possible. Had my surgery in Ankeny. The best place ever! It’s a small surgery center, they made me feel like I was the only patient in the building from the time I walked in, until I left.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Dawn J – Jan 05, 2020
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Excellent surgeon who really cares about his patient. As a fellow physician that broke two bones in my lower leg, I trust him and he did a marvelous job in repairing my fractures. Pre and post surgical x rays and MRI showed excellent repositioning of the bones to their proper location. I would without any reservation, recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled, caring physician. Dr. Dennis Anderson sends.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
4 others found this helpful
Helpful
Dr. Dennis Anderson in Altoona, IA – Aug 16, 2017
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Dr. Brunkhorst saw me for Dr. Isaacson as they are in the same office. Dr. Brunkhorst came to see me when I had my surgeries at IMMC and has a great bedside manner. He called me personally when I had a stitch that did not dissolve and ordered antibiotics for me as well as saw me without an appointment. He is very professional and a caring physician. He is highly recommended as far as I am concerned.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
C. Diana Lemos in Des Moines, IA – May 25, 2017
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Doesn't spend time with you, in and out before you have chance to ask questions. No pain management at all
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
John in Des Moines, IA – Dec 13, 2016
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About Me

biography

Dr. Joseph Brunkhorst, DO is an orthopedic surgeon in Ankeny, IA and has over 15 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Brunkhorst has extensive experience in Shoulder & Upper Arm Surgery. He graduated from Des Moines University in 2006....read more
  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Sports Medicine

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Des Moines University

    Medical School, 2006
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons PC350 NE 36th St Ankeny, IA 50021
1
  • Call
  • Fax
  • Hours
    • Mon: 7:45am - 4:00pm
    • Wed: 7:45am - 4:00pm
    • Fri: 7:45am - 4:00pm
  • Directions

Practice

Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons PC4850 100th St Urbandale, IA 50322
2

Affiliated Hospitals

  • UnityPoint Health-Iowa Methodist Medical Center

    1200 Pleasant St
    Des Moines, IA 50309
    Recipient of 5
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    85%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    1% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    1% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality