Dr. Karen Wu, MD
Dr. Karen Wu is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Maywood, Illinois. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Wu has performed 22 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#190 in Illinois) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 37 procedures.
In Illinois, Dr. Wu performs below average in knee (22 vs 51 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 38 avg).
Dr. Wu's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (22 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Wu holds additional credentials in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Maywood is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Maywood area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Wu's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 64 procedures in 2019 before settling at 37 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Wu'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. Wu Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Illinois state average.
Contact & Location
Maywood, IL 60153
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wu's recorded volume peaked at 64 procedures in 2019 and stood at 37 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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.
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. Wu
How does Dr. Wu's procedure volume compare to other Illinois surgeons?
Dr. Wu has performed 37 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. Wu ranks #187 out of 323 orthopedic surgeons in Illinois.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wu perform?
Dr. Wu's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wu in Maywood?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Maywood 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. Wu 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. Wu's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 37 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wu's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wu's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 64 procedures in 2019 and was 37 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Wu perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wu's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Wu compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Maywood?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Maywood, Dr. Wu ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Maywood has 71 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Maywood, Illinois
Dr. Wu's 37 Medicare procedures are below the Maywood average of 46. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Maywood.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicholas Brown | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Harold Rees | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Schmitt | 51 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Dane Salazar | 38 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Nickolas Garbis | 32 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Cameron Killen | 24 | Hip, Knee |
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