Dr. Carl Wierks, M.D.
Contact & Location
616-949-8945
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
About Dr. Wierks
Dr. Carl Wierks is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Wierks performed 23 Medicare-verified hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #67 in Michigan.
In Michigan, Dr. Wierks performs below the state average in hip (23 vs 29).
Dr. Wierks's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 23 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.
Grand Rapids is home to 16 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Grand Rapids area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Wierks extend back to 2016, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 23 in the most recent data, a 92% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Wierks's 23 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 12 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2024 | 23 |
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. Wierks Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wierks's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 92% from 12 procedures in 2016 to 23 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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
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.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wierks
How does Dr. Wierks's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Wierks has performed 23 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Michigan average is 49 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wierks ranks #181 out of 256 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wierks perform?
Dr. Wierks's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 23 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wierks in Grand Rapids?
Yes. There are 16 orthopedic surgeons in Grand Rapids 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 Michigan surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wierks 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. Wierks's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 23 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wierks's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wierks's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2016 to 23 in the most recent data, a 92% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 36 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wierks affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wierks is affiliated with Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Butterworth.
How does Dr. Wierks compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Grand Rapids?
Among the 16 orthopedic surgeons in Grand Rapids, Dr. Wierks ranks #14 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Grand Rapids has 148 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wierks practices?
Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Butterworth (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 Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dr. Wierks's 23 Medicare procedures are below the Grand Rapids average of 76. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Grand Rapids.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Charles Crellin | 148 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Sherry | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kory Johnson | 89 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Malvitz | 63 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Mahajan | 58 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paull Gossett | 49 | 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.