Dr. John Wollaeger, MD
Dr. John Wollaeger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Wollaeger has performed 31 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#37 in Wisconsin) and 21 knee replacements, for a combined total of 52 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Wollaeger performs near average in hip (31 vs 29 avg), below average in knee (21 vs 37 avg).
Dr. Wollaeger's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (31 cases) and knee replacements (21 cases).
Madison is home to 17 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. Wollaeger's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 95 procedures in 2018 before settling at 52 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Among 4,526 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wollaeger's 31 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. Wollaeger Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Contact & Location
Madison, WI 53719
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wollaeger's recorded volume peaked at 95 procedures in 2018 and stood at 52 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for SurgeryEvidence-based exercises and lifestyle adjustments that can improve surgical outcomes and speed recovery when started weeks before your procedure.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wollaeger
How does Dr. Wollaeger's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Wollaeger has performed 52 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wollaeger ranks #70 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wollaeger perform?
Dr. Wollaeger's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (31 cases) and knee replacement (21 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wollaeger in Madison?
Yes. There are 17 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. Wollaeger 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. Wollaeger's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 52 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wollaeger's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Wollaeger's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 95 procedures in 2018 and was 52 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Does Dr. Wollaeger perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wollaeger's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (31 cases), knee replacement (21 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wollaeger affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wollaeger is affiliated with Sauk Prairie Hospital, University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority.
How does Dr. Wollaeger compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Madison?
Among the 17 orthopedic surgeons in Madison, Dr. Wollaeger ranks #9 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Madison has 235 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wollaeger practices?
Sauk Prairie Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); University Of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Madison, Wisconsin
Dr. Wollaeger's 52 Medicare procedures are below the Madison average of 149. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Madison.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Brian Nickel | 235 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Richard Illgen | 206 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Hennessy | 204 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Scott Anderson | 137 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Brian Grogan | 114 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Andrew Livermore | 94 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.