Dr. Austin Crow, M.D.
Contact & Location
715-832-1400
Altoona, WI 54720
Dr. Crow performs more knee replacement procedures than 66% of orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #51 of 152 ranked knee surgeons in Wisconsin.
About Dr. Crow
Practice. Dr. Austin Crow is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Altoona, Wisconsin. The latest annual CMS data records 38 knee replacements and 17 shoulder replacements, 55 procedures in all. That is #51 in Wisconsin for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2017 to 2024, 8 years. Volume rose from 16 procedures a year to 55, up 244%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 38 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Altoona has 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 16 | 0 |
| 2018 | 20 | 0 |
| 2019 | 24 | 11 |
| 2020 | 27 | 0 |
| 2021 | 35 | 15 |
| 2022 | 39 | 18 |
| 2023 | 43 | 0 |
| 2024 | 38 | 17 |
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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. Crow Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Crow's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 8 years, increasing 244% from 16 procedures in 2017 to 55 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Crow
How does Dr. Crow's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Crow has performed 55 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Crow ranks #69 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Crow perform?
Dr. Crow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases) and shoulder replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Crow in Altoona?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Altoona 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 Wisconsin surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Crow 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Crow's total volume across all insurers at roughly 180 to 220 procedures against the 55 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. Crow's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Crow's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 16 procedures in 2017 to 55 in the most recent data, a 244% increase over 8 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 57 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Crow perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Crow's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases), shoulder replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Crow affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Crow is affiliated with Oakleaf Surgical Hospital, Indianhead Medical Center Shell Lake, Mayo Clinic Health System In Eau Claire, Spooner Health System, Cumberland Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Crow compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Altoona?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Altoona, Dr. Crow ranks #5 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Altoona has 77 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Crow practices?
Oakleaf Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Mayo Clinic Health System In Eau Claire (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 Altoona, Wisconsin
Dr. Crow's 55 Medicare procedures are below the Altoona average of 56. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Altoona.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nathaniel Stewart | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Troy Berg | 72 | Knee |
| Dr. Brent Carlson | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Harris | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Evan Peissig | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark McCarthy | 19 | 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.