Dr. Brent Carlson, M.D.
Contact & Location
715-832-1400
Altoona, WI 54720
Dr. Carlson performs more knee replacement procedures than 71% of orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #43 of 152 ranked knee surgeons in Wisconsin.
About Dr. Carlson
Practice. Dr. Brent Carlson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Altoona, Wisconsin. The latest annual CMS data records 41 knee replacements and 28 hip replacements, 69 procedures in all. That is #43 in Wisconsin for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2008.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 27 procedures a year to 69, up 156%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 41 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 | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 14 | 13 |
| 2014 | 0 | 20 |
| 2015 | 13 | 21 |
| 2016 | 12 | 18 |
| 2017 | 19 | 24 |
| 2018 | 38 | 26 |
| 2019 | 21 | 31 |
| 2020 | 22 | 20 |
| 2021 | 22 | 24 |
| 2022 | 28 | 27 |
| 2023 | 31 | 37 |
| 2024 | 28 | 41 |
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. 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 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. Carlson's total volume across all insurers at roughly 230 to 290 procedures against the 69 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. 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, Spooner Health System, Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics, Inc, Mayo Clinic Health System In Eau Claire.
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). 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.