Dr. Mark McCarthy, MD
Contact & Location
715-832-1400
Altoona, WI 54720
About Dr. McCarthy
Dr. Mark McCarthy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Altoona, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. McCarthy performed 19 Medicare-verified knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, ranking #108 in Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, Dr. McCarthy performs below the state average in knee (19 vs 36).
Dr. McCarthy's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 19 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.
Altoona is home to 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Altoona area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. McCarthy extend back to 2016, covering 6 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 14 to 19 in the most recent data, a 36% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. McCarthy's 19 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 14 |
| 2017 | 0 | 22 |
| 2018 | 0 | 17 |
| 2019 | 0 | 12 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 | 19 | 0 |
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. McCarthy Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. McCarthy's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 6 years, increasing 36% from 14 procedures in 2016 to 19 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.
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.
Home Safety: Creating Your Recovery SanctuaryRoom-by-room modifications, equipment recommendations, and fall-prevention strategies to prepare your home for a safe post-surgical recovery.
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.
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. McCarthy
How does Dr. McCarthy's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. McCarthy has performed 19 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. McCarthy ranks #139 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. McCarthy perform?
Dr. McCarthy's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 19 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. McCarthy in Altoona?
Yes. There are 7 orthopedic surgeons in Altoona 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. McCarthy 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. McCarthy's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 19 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. McCarthy's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. McCarthy's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 14 procedures in 2016 to 19 in the most recent data, a 36% increase over 6 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 22 procedures in 2017.
Which hospitals is Dr. McCarthy affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. McCarthy is affiliated with Oakleaf Surgical Hospital, Black River Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. McCarthy compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Altoona?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Altoona, Dr. McCarthy ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Altoona has 77 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. McCarthy practices?
Oakleaf Surgical Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Black River Memorial Hospital (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 Altoona, Wisconsin
Dr. McCarthy's 19 Medicare procedures are below the Altoona average of 56. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Altoona.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nathaniel Stewart | 77 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Troy Berg | 72 | Knee |
| Dr. Brent Carlson | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Nathan Harris | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Austin Crow | 55 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Evan Peissig | 42 | 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.