Dr. Brett Wolters
Contact & Location
217-528-7541
Springfield, IL 62702
Dr. Wolters performs more knee replacement procedures than 45% of orthopedic surgeons in Illinois, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #137 of 251 ranked knee surgeons in Illinois.
About Dr. Wolters
Practice. Dr. Brett Wolters is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Springfield, Illinois. The latest annual CMS data records 33 knee replacements. That is #137 in Illinois for knee replacement. Dr. Wolters also holds credentials in Sports Medicine. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 24 procedures a year to 33, up 38%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 33 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Springfield has 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 24 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 35 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 33 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Wolters Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wolters's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 38% from 24 procedures in 2013 to 33 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.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
Medicare Bundled Payment Programs for Joint ReplacementHow bundled payment models affect your joint replacement costs and care coordination, and what it means for hospital and surgeon selection.
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. Wolters
How does Dr. Wolters's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Wolters has performed 33 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. Wolters ranks #203 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wolters perform?
Dr. Wolters's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 33 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wolters in Springfield?
Yes. There are 15 orthopedic surgeons in Springfield 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. Wolters represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Wolters's total volume across all insurers at roughly 120 to 140 procedures against the 33 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Wolters's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wolters's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 24 procedures in 2013 to 33 in the most recent data, a 38% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 43 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wolters affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wolters is affiliated with Carlinville Area Hospital, Memorial Medical Center, St Johns Hospital, Mc Donough District Hospital, Hillsboro Area Hospital.
How does Dr. Wolters compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Springfield?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Springfield, Dr. Wolters ranks #11 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Springfield has 134 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wolters practices?
Memorial Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Johns Hospital (3 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 Springfield, Illinois
Dr. Wolters's 33 Medicare procedures are below the Springfield average of 99. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Springfield.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dane Church | 134 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. D Allan | 130 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Piero Capecci | 123 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Pate | 115 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Rossi | 94 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michaela Schneiderbauer | 62 | Hip, 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.