Dr. Casey Whale, M.D.
Contact & Location
785-270-8880
Topeka, KS 66606
Topeka, KS 66604
Dr. Whale performs more knee replacement procedures than 96% of orthopedic surgeons in Kansas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #3 of 89 ranked knee surgeons in Kansas.
About Dr. Whale
Practice. Dr. Casey Whale is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Topeka, Kansas. The latest annual CMS data records 159 knee replacements and 52 hip replacements, 211 procedures in all. That is #3 in Kansas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2016.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2021 to 2024, 4 years. Volume rose from 40 procedures a year to 211, up 428%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 159 procedures is more than 3x the national average of 45. That is #142 nationally.
Local context. Topeka has 9 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 16 | 24 |
| 2022 | 38 | 63 |
| 2023 | 54 | 93 |
| 2024 | 52 | 159 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Whale Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Kansas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whale's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 428% from 40 procedures in 2021 to 211 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.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Whale
How does Dr. Whale's procedure volume compare to other Kansas surgeons?
Dr. Whale has performed 211 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Kansas average of 85 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Whale ranks #5 out of 110 orthopedic surgeons in Kansas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whale perform?
Dr. Whale's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (159 cases) and hip replacement (52 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Whale with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Whale ranks #3 in Kansas for knee replacement with 159 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 110 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whale in Topeka?
Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Topeka 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 Kansas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Whale 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Whale's total volume across all insurers at roughly 730 to 900 procedures against the 211 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. Whale's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whale's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 40 procedures in 2021 to 211 in the most recent data, a 428% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 211 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Whale perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Whale's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (159 cases), hip replacement (52 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Whale affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whale is affiliated with Stormont Vail Hospital, Wamego Health Center, Lmh, Amberwell Hiawatha, Community Hospital, Onaga And St Marys Campus.
How does Dr. Whale compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Topeka?
Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Topeka, Dr. Whale ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Whale is among the highest-volume surgeons in Topeka.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Whale practices?
Stormont Vail Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Lmh (5 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 Topeka, Kansas
Dr. Whale's 211 Medicare procedures are above the Topeka average of 143. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Topeka.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Jacob Deister | 350 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Craig Vosburgh | 139 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Joseph Mumford | 120 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jonathon Salava | 80 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Benedict Figuerres | 65 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Smith | 35 | Hip |
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.