Dr. Charles Nolte, DO
Contact & Location
La Crosse, WI 54601
Dr. Charles Nolte is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Nolte has performed 40 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#47 in Wisconsin) and 17 hip replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Nolte performs near average in knee (40 vs 36 avg), below average in hip (17 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Nolte's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (40 cases) and hip replacements (17 cases).
La Crosse is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the La Crosse area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Nolte's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 104 procedures in 2019 before settling at 57 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nolte's 40 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. Nolte Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nolte's recorded volume peaked at 104 procedures in 2019 and stood at 57 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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. Nolte
How does Dr. Nolte's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Nolte has performed 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nolte ranks #66 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nolte perform?
Dr. Nolte's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases) and hip replacement (17 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nolte in La Crosse?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse 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. Nolte 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. Nolte's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nolte's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Nolte's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 104 procedures in 2019 and was 57 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Nolte perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nolte's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (40 cases), hip replacement (17 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Nolte affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Nolte is affiliated with Mayo Clinic Health System In La Crosse, Mayo Clinic Health System In Sparta.
How does Dr. Nolte compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse, Dr. Nolte ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in La Crosse has 111 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Nolte practices?
Mayo Clinic Health System In La Crosse (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Dr. Nolte's 57 Medicare procedures are below the La Crosse average of 75. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Crosse.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Topolski | 111 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Whalen | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kariline Bringe | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Klein | 52 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Kuzma | 25 | Shoulder |
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.