Dr. Mark Topolski, M.D.
Contact & Location
608-782-7300
La Crosse, WI 54601
Dr. Topolski performs more knee replacement procedures than 94% of orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #9 of 152 ranked knee surgeons in Wisconsin.
About Dr. Topolski
Dr. Mark Topolski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Topolski performed 78 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#9 in Wisconsin) and 33 hip replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 111 procedures.
In Wisconsin, Dr. Topolski performs well above the state average in knee (78 vs 36), near the state average in hip (33 vs 29).
Dr. Topolski's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (78 cases) and hip replacements (33 cases).
La Crosse is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the La Crosse area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Topolski also maintains hospital privileges in WI and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Wisconsin.
Medicare records for Dr. Topolski extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 95 to 111 in the most recent data, a 17% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Topolski's 78 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 33 | 62 |
| 2014 | 33 | 55 |
| 2015 | 40 | 82 |
| 2016 | 35 | 75 |
| 2017 | 46 | 73 |
| 2018 | 64 | 57 |
| 2019 | 50 | 73 |
| 2020 | 42 | 58 |
| 2021 | 61 | 96 |
| 2022 | 44 | 80 |
| 2023 | 51 | 72 |
| 2024 | 33 | 78 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Topolski Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Topolski's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 17% from 95 procedures in 2013 to 111 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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Topolski
How does Dr. Topolski's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Topolski has performed 111 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Topolski ranks #14 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Topolski perform?
Dr. Topolski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (78 cases) and hip replacement (33 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Topolski with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Topolski ranks #9 in Wisconsin for knee replacement with 78 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 189 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Topolski in La Crosse?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse 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. Topolski represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Topolski's total volume across all insurers at roughly 380 to 470 procedures against the 111 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Topolski's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Topolski's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 95 procedures in 2013 to 111 in the most recent data, a 17% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 157 procedures in 2021.
Does Dr. Topolski perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Topolski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (78 cases), hip replacement (33 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Topolski affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Topolski is affiliated with Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital And Clinics, Veterans Memorial Hospital, Gundersen Tri-County Hospital And Clinics. Dr. Topolski maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Topolski compare to other orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in La Crosse, Dr. Topolski ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Topolski has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Topolski practices?
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Veterans 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 La Crosse, Wisconsin
Dr. Topolski's 111 Medicare procedures are above the La Crosse average of 75. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Crosse.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Whalen | 107 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kariline Bringe | 99 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Nolte | 57 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Klein | 52 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Scott Kuzma | 25 | Shoulder |
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.