Dr. Christopher Whalen, M.D.
Dr. Christopher Whalen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dr. Whalen has performed 53 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#13 in Wisconsin) and 52 knee replacements, for a combined total of 105 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Whalen performs above average in hip (53 vs 29 avg), above average in knee (52 vs 37 avg).
Dr. Whalen's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (53 cases) and knee replacements (52 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. Dr. Whalen also maintains hospital privileges in WI and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Wisconsin.
Dr. Whalen first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Whalen's 53 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
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.
Contact & Location
La Crosse, WI 54601
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whalen has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip 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 105 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Whalen ranks #19 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whalen perform?
Dr. Whalen's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (53 cases) and knee replacement (52 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Whalen with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Whalen ranks #13 in Wisconsin for hip replacement with 53 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 185 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whalen 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. 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 105 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Whalen perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Whalen's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (53 cases), knee replacement (52 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 7 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 105 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. Kariline Bringe | 73 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Nolte | 67 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Klein | 48 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Kuzma | 15 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Bassuener | 14 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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