Dr. Amy Lelwica, MD
Dr. Amy Lelwica is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Brainerd, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2007, Dr. Lelwica has completed 19 knee replacements (#98 in Minnesota), 16 hip replacements, and 14 shoulder replacements, totaling 49 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Lelwica performs below average in knee (19 vs 32 avg), below average in hip (16 vs 27 avg), below average in shoulder (14 vs 26 avg).
Dr. Lelwica performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (19 cases), followed by hip replacements (16) and shoulder replacements (14).
Brainerd is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Brainerd area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Lelwica extend back to 2013, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 11 to 49 in the most recent data, a 345% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Lelwica's 19 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. Lelwica Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Contact & Location
Brainerd, MN 56401
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lelwica's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 345% from 11 procedures in 2013 to 49 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.
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.
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. Lelwica
How does Dr. Lelwica's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Lelwica has performed 49 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 47 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Lelwica ranks #69 out of 179 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lelwica perform?
Dr. Lelwica performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (19 cases), hip replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lelwica in Brainerd?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd 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 Minnesota surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Lelwica 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. Lelwica's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 49 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lelwica's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lelwica's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 11 procedures in 2013 to 49 in the most recent data, a 345% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 49 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Lelwica perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lelwica's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (19 cases), hip replacement (16 cases), shoulder replacement (14 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Lelwica among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Lelwica affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Lelwica is affiliated with Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center, Mille Lacs Health System.
How does Dr. Lelwica compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Brainerd, Dr. Lelwica ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Lelwica has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Lelwica practices?
Essentia Health St Joseph'S Medical Center (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 Brainerd, Minnesota
Dr. Lelwica's 49 Medicare procedures are above the Brainerd average of 31. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Brainerd.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Metz | 31 | Knee |
| Dr. Paul Thompson | 14 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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