Dr. Alexander Michalow, MD
Dr. Alexander Michalow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bradley, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Michalow has performed 22 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#189 in Illinois) and 20 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In Illinois, Dr. Michalow performs below average in knee (22 vs 51 avg), below average in hip (20 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Michalow's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (22 cases) and hip replacements (20 cases).
Bradley is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Bradley area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Michalow extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 32 to 42 in the most recent data, a 31% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Michalow's 22 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Michalow Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Contact & Location
Bradley, IL 60915
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Michalow's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 31% from 32 procedures in 2013 to 42 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Michalow
How does Dr. Michalow's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Michalow has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Illinois average is 69 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Michalow ranks #178 out of 323 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Michalow perform?
Dr. Michalow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases) and hip replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Michalow in Bradley?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bradley 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 Illinois surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Michalow 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. Michalow's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Michalow's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Michalow's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 32 procedures in 2013 to 42 in the most recent data, a 31% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 69 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Michalow perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Michalow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases), hip replacement (20 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Michalow affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Michalow is affiliated with St. Mary'S Hospital-Kankakee, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Riverside Medical Center.
How does Dr. Michalow compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Bradley?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Bradley, Dr. Michalow ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Bradley has 177 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Michalow practices?
St. Mary'S Hospital-Kankakee (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Riverside Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, 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 Bradley, Illinois
Dr. Michalow's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Bradley average of 63. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bradley.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rajeev Puri | 177 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Corcoran | 88 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Jalaal Shah | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Milton Smit | 12 | Knee |
| Dr. Tomasz Antkowiak | 12 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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