Dr. Alexander Wendling, MD
Contact & Location
Columbia, MO 65201
Dr. Alexander Wendling is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbia, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2017, Dr. Wendling has performed 93 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#15 in Missouri) and 47 hip replacements, for a combined total of 140 procedures.
In Missouri, Dr. Wendling performs well above average in knee (93 vs 42 avg), above average in hip (47 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Wendling's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (93 cases) and hip replacements (47 cases).
Columbia is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Wendling first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wendling's 93 verified procedures is more than 2x 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. Wendling Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wendling has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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. Wendling
How does Dr. Wendling's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Wendling has performed 140 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wendling ranks #14 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wendling perform?
Dr. Wendling's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (93 cases) and hip replacement (47 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Wendling with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Wendling ranks #15 in Missouri for knee replacement with 93 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 204 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wendling in Columbia?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wendling 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. Wendling's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 140 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Wendling perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wendling's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (93 cases), hip replacement (47 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wendling affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wendling is affiliated with Boone Hospital Center, Bothwell Regional Health Center, University Of Missouri Health Care, Scotland County Hospital, Lake Regional Health System.
How does Dr. Wendling compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbia?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Columbia, Dr. Wendling ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Wendling is among the highest-volume surgeons in Columbia.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wendling practices?
Boone Hospital Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Bothwell Regional Health Center (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); University Of Missouri Health Care (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 Columbia, Missouri
Dr. Wendling's 140 Medicare procedures are above the Columbia average of 127. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Samuel Thompson | 209 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Alan Anz | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kurt Bormann | 137 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Thomas Aleto | 125 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Keeney | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Khalid Waliullah | 66 | 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.