Dr. David Polga, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
13 procedures 3 hospitals Marshfield, WI
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026

Contact & Location

1000 N Oak Ave
Marshfield, WI 54449
NPI: 1770599490
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety, all under $50
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 13 vs 45 avg (6,599 surgeons)

Dr. David Polga is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Dr. Polga has performed 13 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #140 in Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, Dr. Polga performs below average in knee (13 vs 36 avg).

Dr. Polga's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 13 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Marshfield is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Marshfield area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Polga first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2024. With 1 year of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.

Dr. Polga's 13 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
13 verified cases
#140 in Wisconsin
Estimated total: 40 – 40 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. Polga Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.

Knee Below Avg
13 Avg: 36
Dr. Polga Wisconsin Average

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Marshfield Medical Center
2/5
Marshfield, WI
Similar to national avg
H
Marshfield Medical Center - Minocqua
Minocqua, WI
H
Marshfield Medical Center - Rice Lake
2/5
Rice Lake, 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.

Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:

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. Polga

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

Dr. Polga has performed 13 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Wisconsin average is 51 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Polga ranks #170 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Polga perform?

Dr. Polga's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Polga in Marshfield?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Marshfield 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. Polga 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. Polga's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.

Which hospitals is Dr. Polga affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Polga is affiliated with Marshfield Medical Center, Marshfield Medical Center - Minocqua, Marshfield Medical Center - Rice Lake.

How does Dr. Polga compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Marshfield?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Marshfield, Dr. Polga ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Polga is among the highest-volume surgeons in Marshfield.

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

Marshfield Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Marshfield Medical Center - Rice Lake (2 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Marshfield, Wisconsin

Dr. Polga's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Marshfield average of 24. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Marshfield.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Tyler Dahl 31 Hip, Knee
Dr. Kenneth Stone 28 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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. David Polga, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-david-polga-marshfield.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-david-polga-marshfield.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.