Dr. Daren Wickum, M.D.
Contact & Location
651-968-5770
Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Dr. Wickum performs more knee replacement procedures than 75% of orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #35 of 144 ranked knee surgeons in Minnesota.
About Dr. Wickum
Dr. Daren Wickum is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Wickum performed 37 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#35 in Minnesota) and 26 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 63 procedures.
In Minnesota, Dr. Wickum performs above the state average in knee (37 vs 30), near the state average in hip (26 vs 26).
Dr. Wickum's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (37 cases) and hip replacements (26 cases).
Vadnais Heights is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Vadnais Heights area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Wickum also maintains hospital privileges in MN and WI, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Minnesota.
Medicare records for Dr. Wickum extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 28 to 63 in the most recent data, a 125% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wickum's 37 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 | 22 |
| 2015 | 18 | 22 |
| 2016 | 22 | 18 |
| 2017 | 14 | 15 |
| 2018 | 19 | 18 |
| 2019 | 33 | 47 |
| 2020 | 20 | 49 |
| 2021 | 31 | 41 |
| 2022 | 23 | 44 |
| 2023 | 26 | 43 |
| 2024 | 26 | 37 |
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. Wickum Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Minnesota state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wickum's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 125% from 28 procedures in 2013 to 63 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. Wickum
How does Dr. Wickum's procedure volume compare to other Minnesota surgeons?
Dr. Wickum has performed 63 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Minnesota average of 43 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wickum ranks #37 out of 187 orthopedic surgeons in Minnesota.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wickum perform?
Dr. Wickum's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases) and hip replacement (26 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wickum in Vadnais Heights?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Vadnais Heights 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. Wickum 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. Wickum's total volume across all insurers at roughly 210 to 260 procedures against the 63 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. Wickum's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wickum's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 28 procedures in 2013 to 63 in the most recent data, a 125% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 80 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Wickum perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wickum's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (37 cases), hip replacement (26 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wickum affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wickum is affiliated with M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, River Falls Area Hospital, United Hospital, Fairview Hospital University, Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Dr. Wickum maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Wickum compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Vadnais Heights?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Vadnais Heights, Dr. Wickum ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Wickum has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wickum practices?
M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); River Falls Area Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); United Hospital (3 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 Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
Dr. Wickum's 63 Medicare procedures are above the Vadnais Heights average of 41. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Vadnais Heights.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Peter Parten | 38 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Steven Meisterling | 33 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Gannon | 31 | 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.