Dr. Brent Carlson, MD
Contact & Location
Altoona, WI 54720
Dr. Brent Carlson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Altoona, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2008, Dr. Carlson has performed 41 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#43 in Wisconsin) and 28 hip replacements, for a combined total of 69 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Carlson performs near average in knee (41 vs 36 avg), near average in hip (28 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Carlson's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (41 cases) and hip replacements (28 cases).
Altoona is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Altoona area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Carlson extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 27 to 69 in the most recent data, a 156% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Carlson's 41 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. Carlson Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Carlson's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 156% from 27 procedures in 2013 to 69 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.
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. Carlson
How does Dr. Carlson's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Carlson has performed 69 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Carlson ranks #49 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Carlson perform?
Dr. Carlson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases) and hip replacement (28 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Carlson 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. Carlson 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. Carlson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 69 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Carlson's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Carlson's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 27 procedures in 2013 to 69 in the most recent data, a 156% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 69 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Carlson perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Carlson's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases), hip replacement (28 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Carlson affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Carlson is affiliated with Oakleaf Surgical Hospital, Aspirus Stanley Hospital, Mayo Clinic Health System In Eau Claire, Spooner Health System, Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center.
How does Dr. Carlson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Altoona?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Altoona, Dr. Carlson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Carlson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Altoona.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Carlson 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. Carlson's 69 Medicare procedures are above 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. Nathan Harris | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Austin Crow | 55 | Knee, Shoulder |
| 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.