Dr. David Liebelt, M.D., PH.D.
Contact & Location
920-831-5050
Appleton, WI 54911
Mount Pleasant, WI 53405
Dr. Liebelt performs more knee replacement procedures than 79% of orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #31 of 152 ranked knee surgeons in Wisconsin.
About Dr. Liebelt
Dr. David Liebelt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Appleton, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Liebelt performed 52 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#31 in Wisconsin) and 40 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 92 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Liebelt performs above the state average in knee (52 vs 36), above the state average in hip (40 vs 29).
Dr. Liebelt's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (52 cases) and hip replacements (40 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Liebelt holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Appleton is home to 8 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 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 44 to 92 in the most recent data, a 109% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Liebelt's 52 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 18 | 26 |
| 2016 | 13 | 0 |
| 2017 | 22 | 17 |
| 2018 | 25 | 32 |
| 2019 | 40 | 43 |
| 2020 | 30 | 15 |
| 2021 | 33 | 29 |
| 2022 | 36 | 55 |
| 2023 | 46 | 55 |
| 2024 | 40 | 52 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Liebelt Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Liebelt's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 109% from 44 procedures in 2015 to 92 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Liebelt
How does Dr. Liebelt's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Liebelt has performed 92 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Liebelt ranks #26 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Liebelt perform?
Dr. Liebelt's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (52 cases) and hip replacement (40 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Liebelt in Appleton?
Yes. There are 8 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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Liebelt's total volume across all insurers at roughly 310 to 390 procedures against the 92 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Liebelt's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Liebelt's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 44 procedures in 2015 to 92 in the most recent data, a 109% increase over 10 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 (52 cases), hip replacement (40 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 - Waupaca Inc, Thedacare Medical Center - Shawano Inc, Thedacare Medical Center New London.
How does Dr. Liebelt compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Appleton?
Among the 8 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). 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 92 Medicare procedures are above the Appleton average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Appleton.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Ziegele | 81 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Conrad | 72 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Limoni | 60 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Shawn Hennigan | 59 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Brian Lohrbach | 52 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Kuplic | 32 | Knee |
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.