Dr. John Wollaeger, MD
Contact & Location
Madison, WI 53719
Dr. John Wollaeger is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Wollaeger has performed 33 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#32 in Wisconsin) and 24 knee replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Wollaeger performs near average in hip (33 vs 29 avg), below average in knee (24 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Wollaeger's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (33 cases) and knee replacements (24 cases).
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.
Medicare records for Dr. Wollaeger extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 28 to 57 in the most recent data, a 104% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wollaeger's 33 verified procedures is near the national average of 36.
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. Wollaeger Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wollaeger's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 104% from 28 procedures in 2013 to 57 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 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 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wollaeger ranks #64 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wollaeger perform?
Dr. Wollaeger's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (33 cases) and knee replacement (24 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wollaeger 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. 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 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wollaeger's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wollaeger's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 28 procedures in 2013 to 57 in the most recent data, a 104% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 95 procedures in 2018.
Does Dr. Wollaeger perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Wollaeger's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (33 cases), knee replacement (24 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 23 orthopedic surgeons in Madison, Dr. Wollaeger ranks #12 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. 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 57 Medicare procedures are below the Madison average of 154. 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.