#11 Knee
#14 Hip

Dr. Mark Topolski, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
123 procedures 3 hospitals La Crosse, WI
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Rising Star
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 51 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 72 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Mark Topolski is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dr. Topolski has performed 72 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#11 in Wisconsin) and 51 hip replacements, for a combined total of 123 procedures.

In Wisconsin, Dr. Topolski performs above average in knee (72 vs 37 avg), above average in hip (51 vs 29 avg).

Dr. Topolski's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (72 cases) and hip replacements (51 cases).

La Crosse is home to 7 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 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 95 to 123 in the most recent data, a 29% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Topolski's 72 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
72 verified cases
#11 in Wisconsin
Hip Replacement
51 verified cases
#14 in Wisconsin
Estimated total: 330 – 370 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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. Topolski Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.

Hip High
51 Avg: 29
Knee High
72 Avg: 37
Dr. Topolski Wisconsin Average

Contact & Location

1836 South Ave
La Crosse, WI 54601
NPI: 1386618916
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Topolski's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 29% from 95 procedures in 2013 to 123 in the most recent data.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 123
Peak Volume 157 (2021)
Trend Growing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
★★★★☆
La Crosse, WI
Low case volume
H
Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital And Clinics
West Union, IA
H
Veterans Memorial Hospital
Waukon, IA
Low case volume

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.

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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 123 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is more than 2x the Wisconsin average of 52 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Topolski ranks #12 out of 185 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Topolski perform?

Dr. Topolski's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (72 cases) and hip replacement (51 cases).

How experienced is Dr. Topolski with knee replacement surgery?

Dr. Topolski ranks #11 in Wisconsin for knee replacement with 72 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 185 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Topolski in La Crosse?

Yes. There are 7 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 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. Topolski's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 123 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Topolski's procedure volume changed over time?

Yes. Dr. Topolski's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 95 procedures in 2013 to 123 in the most recent data, a 29% increase over 11 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 (72 cases), hip replacement (51 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. 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 7 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 123 Medicare procedures are above the La Crosse average of 64. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in La Crosse.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Christopher Whalen 105 Hip, Knee
Dr. Kariline Bringe 73 Hip, Knee
Dr. Charles Nolte 67 Hip, Knee
Dr. Steven Klein 48 Shoulder
Dr. Scott Kuzma 15 Shoulder
Dr. Scott Bassuener 14 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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Mark Topolski, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-mark-topolski-la-crosse.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wi/dr-mark-topolski-la-crosse.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.