Dr. Christopher Whalen, M.D.
Contact & Location
608-782-7300
La Crosse, WI 54601
About Dr. Whalen
Dr. Christopher Whalen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2015, Dr. Whalen performed 65 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#17 in Wisconsin) and 42 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 107 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Whalen performs above the state average in knee (65 vs 36), above the state average in hip (42 vs 29).
Dr. Whalen's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (65 cases) and hip replacements (42 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. Whalen also maintains hospital privileges in WI and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Wisconsin.
Medicare records for Dr. Whalen extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 72 to 107 in the most recent data, a 49% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Whalen's 65 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 35 | 37 |
| 2023 | 53 | 52 |
| 2024 | 42 | 65 |
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. Whalen Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whalen's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 49% from 72 procedures in 2022 to 107 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. Whalen
How does Dr. Whalen's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Whalen has performed 107 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Whalen ranks #18 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whalen perform?
Dr. Whalen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (65 cases) and hip replacement (42 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Whalen with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Whalen ranks #17 in Wisconsin for knee replacement with 65 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 189 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whalen 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. Whalen 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. Whalen's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 107 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Whalen's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whalen's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 72 procedures in 2022 to 107 in the most recent data, a 49% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 107 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Whalen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Whalen's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (65 cases), hip replacement (42 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Whalen affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whalen is affiliated with Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Veterans Memorial Hospital. Dr. Whalen maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Whalen compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse, Dr. Whalen ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Whalen is among the highest-volume surgeons in La Crosse.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Whalen practices?
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Veterans Memorial Hospital (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. Whalen's 107 Medicare procedures are above 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. Kariline Bringe | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Nolte | 57 | 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.