Dr. Eric Thiel, MD
Contact & Location
Wausau, WI 54401
Dr. Eric Thiel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Wausau, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Thiel has performed 38 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#50 in Wisconsin) and 21 hip replacements, for a combined total of 59 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Thiel performs near average in knee (38 vs 36 avg), below average in hip (21 vs 29 avg).
Dr. Thiel's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (38 cases) and hip replacements (21 cases).
Wausau is home to 9 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 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 26 to 59 in the most recent data, a 127% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Thiel's 38 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Thiel Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Thiel's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 127% from 26 procedures in 2013 to 59 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 59 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Thiel ranks #60 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Thiel perform?
Dr. Thiel's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (38 cases) and hip replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Thiel in Wausau?
Yes. There are 9 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 59 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 59 in the most recent data, a 127% increase over 12 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 (38 cases), hip replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 9 orthopedic surgeons in Wausau, Dr. Thiel ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Wausau has 74 verified Medicare procedures.
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 59 Medicare procedures are above the Wausau average of 53. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Wausau.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Keele | 74 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Roger Gregush | 61 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Russell | 60 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Casey Lagan | 47 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James Sutherland | 40 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Faruk Abuzzahab | 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.