Dr. Eric Cotter, MD
Contact & Location
Madison, WI 53711
Dr. Eric Cotter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2018, Dr. Cotter has performed 11 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #39 in Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Cotter performs below average in shoulder (11 vs 25 avg).
Dr. Cotter's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 11 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.
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Cotter holds additional credentials in Sports Medicine, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Madison is home to 23 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Madison area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Cotter first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Dr. Cotter's 11 shoulder replacement procedures is below the national average of 29 among 2,213 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Cotter Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Cotter has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Evidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
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 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.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Cotter
How does Dr. Cotter's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Cotter has performed 11 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. Cotter ranks #189 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cotter perform?
Dr. Cotter's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 11 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cotter in Madison?
Yes. There are 23 orthopedic surgeons in Madison 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. Cotter 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. Cotter's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 11 procedures shown here.
Which hospitals is Dr. Cotter affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cotter is affiliated with University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority, Unitypoint Health - Meriter.
How does Dr. Cotter compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Madison?
Among the 23 orthopedic surgeons in Madison, Dr. Cotter ranks #23 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Madison has 246 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Cotter practices?
University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Unitypoint Health - Meriter (4 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 Madison, Wisconsin
Dr. Cotter's 11 Medicare procedures are below the Madison average of 148. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Madison.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brian Nickel | 246 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Hennessy | 233 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Illgen | 189 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Rajit Chakravarty | 133 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Anderson | 112 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Livermore | 109 | Hip, 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.