Dr. Charles Nolte, DO
Dr. Charles Nolte is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dr. Nolte has performed 47 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#36 in Wisconsin) and 20 hip replacements, for a combined total of 67 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Nolte performs above average in knee (47 vs 37 avg), below average in hip (20 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Nolte's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (47 cases) and hip replacements (20 cases).
La Crosse is home to 7 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.
Medicare records for Dr. Nolte extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 45 to 67 in the most recent data, a 49% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Nolte's 47 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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.
Contact & Location
La Crosse, WI 54601
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Nolte's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 49% from 45 procedures in 2013 to 67 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.
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 67 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Nolte ranks #51 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Nolte perform?
Dr. Nolte's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases) and hip replacement (20 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Nolte in La Crosse?
Yes. There are 7 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 67 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Nolte's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Nolte's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 45 procedures in 2013 to 67 in the most recent data, a 49% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 104 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Nolte perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Nolte's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (47 cases), hip replacement (20 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 7 orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse, Dr. Nolte ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in La Crosse has 123 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 67 Medicare procedures are above the La Crosse average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Crosse.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Topolski | 123 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Whalen | 105 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kariline Bringe | 73 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Klein | 48 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Kuzma | 15 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Bassuener | 14 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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