Dr. Michael Vanwagner, D.O.
Contact & Location
Gaylord, MI 49735
Dr. Michael Vanwagner is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Gaylord, Michigan. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Vanwagner has performed 52 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#35 in Michigan) and 39 hip replacements, for a combined total of 91 procedures.
In Michigan, Dr. Vanwagner performs above average in knee (52 vs 34 avg), above average in hip (39 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Vanwagner's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (52 cases) and hip replacements (39 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Vanwagner holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Gaylord is home to 2 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Gaylord area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Vanwagner extend back to 2020, covering 5 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 45 to 91 in the most recent data, a 102% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Vanwagner's 52 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Vanwagner Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Michigan state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Vanwagner's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 5 years, increasing 102% from 45 procedures in 2020 to 91 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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Vanwagner
How does Dr. Vanwagner's procedure volume compare to other Michigan surgeons?
Dr. Vanwagner has performed 91 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Michigan average of 49 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Vanwagner ranks #26 out of 256 orthopedic surgeons in Michigan.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Vanwagner perform?
Dr. Vanwagner's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases) and hip replacement (39 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Vanwagner in Gaylord?
Yes. There are 2 orthopedic surgeons in Gaylord 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. Vanwagner 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. Vanwagner's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 91 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Vanwagner's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Vanwagner's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 45 procedures in 2020 to 91 in the most recent data, a 102% increase over 5 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 94 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Vanwagner perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Vanwagner's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases), hip replacement (39 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Vanwagner affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Vanwagner is affiliated with Munson Medical Center, Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Vanwagner practices?
Munson Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Munson Healthcare Grayling 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 Gaylord, Michigan
Dr. Vanwagner's 91 Medicare procedures are above the Gaylord average of 52. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Gaylord.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Louis Habryl | 13 | 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.