Dr. Nathaniel Stewart, M.D.
Contact & Location
715-832-1400
Altoona, WI 54720
Dr. Stewart performs more hip replacement procedures than 91% of orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #10 of 113 ranked hip surgeons in Wisconsin.
About Dr. Stewart
Practice. Dr. Nathaniel Stewart is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Altoona, Wisconsin. The latest annual CMS data records 50 hip replacements and 27 knee replacements, 77 procedures in all. That is #10 in Wisconsin for hip replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 52 procedures a year to 77, up 48%.
National context. Among 4,542 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 50 procedures is above the national average of 36.
Local context. Altoona has 7 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 28 | 24 |
| 2014 | 31 | 18 |
| 2015 | 43 | 19 |
| 2016 | 47 | 27 |
| 2017 | 46 | 23 |
| 2018 | 55 | 34 |
| 2019 | 62 | 21 |
| 2020 | 64 | 19 |
| 2021 | 60 | 31 |
| 2022 | 75 | 25 |
| 2023 | 64 | 33 |
| 2024 | 50 | 27 |
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 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee 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. Stewart Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wisconsin state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Stewart's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 48% from 52 procedures in 2013 to 77 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.
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.
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. Stewart
How does Dr. Stewart's procedure volume compare to other Wisconsin surgeons?
Dr. Stewart has performed 77 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Wisconsin average of 51 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Stewart ranks #34 out of 189 orthopedic surgeons in Wisconsin.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Stewart perform?
Dr. Stewart's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (50 cases) and knee replacement (27 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Stewart with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Stewart ranks #10 in Wisconsin for hip replacement with 50 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 189 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Stewart 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. Stewart 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 25% to 33% for hip replacement, 23% to 28% for knee replacement, which puts Dr. Stewart's total volume across all insurers at roughly 250 to 320 procedures against the 77 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. Stewart's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Stewart's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 52 procedures in 2013 to 77 in the most recent data, a 48% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 100 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Stewart perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Stewart's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (50 cases), knee replacement (27 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Stewart affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Stewart is affiliated with Oakleaf Surgical Hospital, Aspirus Medford Hospital & Clinics, Inc, Aspirus Stanley Hospital, Cumberland Memorial Hospital, Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
How does Dr. Stewart compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Altoona?
Among the 7 orthopedic surgeons in Altoona, Dr. Stewart ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Stewart has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Stewart practices?
Oakleaf Surgical Hospital (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 Altoona, Wisconsin
Dr. Stewart's 77 Medicare procedures are above the Altoona average of 56. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Altoona.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dr. Mark McCarthy | 19 | 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.