Dr. Alexander Michalow, MD
Contact & Location
815-928-8050
Bradley, IL 60915
About Dr. Michalow
Dr. Alexander Michalow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Bradley, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Michalow performed 36 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#132 in Illinois) and 27 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 63 procedures.
In Illinois, Dr. Michalow performs below the state average in knee (36 vs 50), below the state average in hip (27 vs 39).
Dr. Michalow's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (36 cases) and hip replacements (27 cases).
Bradley is home to 5 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 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 32 to 63 in the most recent data, a 97% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Michalow's 36 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 32 |
| 2014 | 0 | 19 |
| 2015 | 17 | 30 |
| 2016 | 27 | 23 |
| 2017 | 31 | 34 |
| 2018 | 21 | 48 |
| 2019 | 26 | 29 |
| 2020 | 25 | 27 |
| 2021 | 14 | 28 |
| 2022 | 15 | 30 |
| 2023 | 20 | 22 |
| 2024 | 27 | 36 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Michalow's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 97% from 32 procedures in 2013 to 63 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 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Illinois average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Michalow ranks #129 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Michalow perform?
Dr. Michalow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (36 cases) and hip replacement (27 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Michalow in Bradley?
Yes. There are 5 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 63 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 63 in the most recent data, a 97% increase over 12 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 (36 cases), hip replacement (27 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 5 orthopedic surgeons in Bradley, Dr. Michalow ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Michalow is among the highest-volume surgeons in Bradley.
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 63 Medicare procedures are below the Bradley average of 73. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Bradley.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rajeev Puri | 201 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Corcoran | 72 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tomasz Antkowiak | 17 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Jalaal Shah | 13 | 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.