#19 Hip
#25 Knee

Dr. David Liebelt, M.D., PH.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
101 procedures 4 hospitals Appleton, WI
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 46 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 55 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. David Liebelt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dr. Liebelt has performed 55 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#25 in Wisconsin) and 46 hip replacements, for a combined total of 101 procedures.

In Wisconsin, Dr. Liebelt performs above average in knee (55 vs 37 avg), above average in hip (46 vs 29 avg).

Dr. Liebelt's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (55 cases) and hip replacements (46 cases).

Appleton is home to 9 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Appleton area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Medicare records for Dr. Liebelt extend back to 2015, covering 9 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 44 to 101 in the most recent data, a 130% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Liebelt's 55 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
55 verified cases
#25 in Wisconsin
Hip Replacement
46 verified cases
#19 in Wisconsin
Estimated total: 270 – 310 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Liebelt Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.

Hip High
46 Avg: 29
Knee High
55 Avg: 37
Dr. Liebelt Wisconsin Average

Contact & Location

820 E Grant St
Appleton, WI 54911
NPI: 1205132321
Credentials: M.D., PH.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Liebelt's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 130% from 44 procedures in 2015 to 101 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 9
2023 Volume 101
Peak Volume 101 (2023)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Appleton Inc
★★★★☆
Appleton, WI
Similar to national avg
H
Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Neenah Inc
★★★★★
Neenah, WI
Low case volume
H
Thedacare Medical Center - Shawano Inc
Shawano, WI
Low case volume
H
Thedacare Medical Center - Waupaca Inc
Waupaca, WI

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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. Liebelt

How does Dr. Liebelt's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?

Dr. Liebelt has performed 101 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Liebelt ranks #21 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Liebelt perform?

Dr. Liebelt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases) and hip replacement (46 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Liebelt in Appleton?

Yes. There are 9 orthopedic surgeons in Appleton 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. Liebelt 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. Liebelt's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 101 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Liebelt's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Liebelt's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 44 procedures in 2015 to 101 in the most recent data, a 130% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 101 procedures in 2023.

Does Dr. Liebelt perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Liebelt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (55 cases), hip replacement (46 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

Which hospitals is Dr. Liebelt affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Liebelt is affiliated with Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Appleton Inc, Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Neenah Inc, Thedacare Medical Center - Shawano Inc, Thedacare Medical Center - Waupaca Inc.

How does Dr. Liebelt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Appleton?

Among the 9 orthopedic surgeons in Appleton, Dr. Liebelt ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Liebelt has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Liebelt practices?

Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Appleton Inc (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Neenah Inc (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Thedacare Medical Center - Shawano Inc (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 Appleton, Wisconsin

Dr. Liebelt's 101 Medicare procedures are above the Appleton average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Appleton.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. David Conrad 91 Hip, Knee
Dr. Shawn Hennigan 61 Shoulder
Dr. Brian Lohrbach 58 Hip, Knee
Dr. Robert Limoni 58 Hip, Knee
Dr. James Kuplic 42 Hip, Knee
Dr. Michael Ziegele 37 Hip, Knee

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. David Liebelt, M.D., PH.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-david-liebelt-appleton.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-david-liebelt-appleton.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.