Dr. Christopher Wottowa, M.D.
Contact & Location
Springfield, IL 62702
Dr. Christopher Wottowa is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Springfield, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Wottowa has performed 35 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #18 in Illinois.
In Illinois, Dr. Wottowa performs above average in shoulder (35 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Wottowa's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 35 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Springfield is home to 15 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Springfield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Wottowa extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 15 to 35 in the most recent data, a 133% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wottowa's 35 verified procedures is above the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Wottowa Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wottowa's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 133% from 15 procedures in 2013 to 35 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wottowa
How does Dr. Wottowa's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Wottowa has performed 35 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. Wottowa ranks #199 out of 316 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wottowa perform?
Dr. Wottowa's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 35 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Wottowa with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Wottowa ranks #18 in Illinois for shoulder replacement with 35 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 316 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wottowa 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. Wottowa 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. Wottowa's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 35 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wottowa's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wottowa's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 15 procedures in 2013 to 35 in the most recent data, a 133% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 35 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wottowa affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wottowa is affiliated with St Johns Hospital, Memorial Medical Center.
How does Dr. Wottowa compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Springfield?
Among the 15 orthopedic surgeons in Springfield, Dr. Wottowa ranks #10 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. Wottowa practices?
St Johns Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Memorial Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Springfield, Illinois
Dr. Wottowa's 35 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.