Dr. Eric Thiel, MD
Dr. Eric Thiel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wausau, Wisconsin. Dr. Thiel has completed 48 knee replacements (#32 in Wisconsin), 21 hip replacements, and 11 shoulder replacements, totaling 80 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Thiel performs above average in knee (48 vs 37 avg), below average in hip (21 vs 29 avg), below average in shoulder (11 vs 25 avg).
Dr. Thiel performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (48 cases), followed by hip replacements (21) and shoulder replacements (11).
Wausau is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Wausau area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Thiel extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 26 to 80 in the most recent data, a 208% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Thiel's 48 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Thiel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Contact & Location
Wausau, WI 54401
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thiel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 208% from 26 procedures in 2013 to 80 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.
Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week ExpectationsA detailed week-by-week guide covering pain levels, mobility milestones, physical therapy progression, and when to expect a return to daily activities.
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. Thiel
How does Dr. Thiel's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Thiel has performed 80 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thiel ranks #34 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thiel perform?
Dr. Thiel performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (48 cases), hip replacement (21 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thiel in Wausau?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Wausau 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. Thiel 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. Thiel's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 80 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Thiel's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Thiel's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 26 procedures in 2013 to 80 in the most recent data, a 208% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 80 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Thiel perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Thiel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (48 cases), hip replacement (21 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Thiel among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Thiel affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Thiel is affiliated with Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital.
How does Dr. Thiel compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Wausau?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Wausau, Dr. Thiel ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Thiel has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Thiel practices?
Aspirus Wausau Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital (3 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 Wausau, Wisconsin
Dr. Thiel's 80 Medicare procedures are above the Wausau average of 47. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wausau.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Keele | 63 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Russell | 54 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Faruk Abuzzahab | 47 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Casey Lagan | 40 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeffrey Martin | 27 | Knee |
| Dr. James Sutherland | 19 | Hip |
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