Dr. Zachary Christopher, MD
Contact & Location
480-301-8000
Phoenix, AZ 85054
About Dr. Christopher
Dr. Zachary Christopher is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Phoenix, Arizona. A Medicare provider since 2018, Dr. Christopher performed 67 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#17 in Arizona) and 26 knee replacements in the latest annual CMS data, for a combined total of 93 procedures.
In Arizona, Dr. Christopher performs above the state average in hip (67 vs 40), below the state average in knee (26 vs 49).
Dr. Christopher's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (67 cases) and knee replacements (26 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Christopher holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Phoenix is home to 51 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Phoenix area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Christopher first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2023. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.
Among 4,532 hip replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Christopher's 67 verified procedures is above the national average of 36.
Verified Case Volume
Verified Medicare data is available for 2 years: 16 procedures in 2023 and 93 procedures in the most recent reporting year. A multi-year trend chart is shown once at least 3 years of data are available.
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. Christopher Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Arizona state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Christopher has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2023. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.
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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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 Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
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. Christopher
How does Dr. Christopher's procedure volume compare to other Arizona surgeons?
Dr. Christopher has performed 93 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Arizona average of 72 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Christopher ranks #50 out of 191 orthopedic surgeons in Arizona.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Christopher perform?
Dr. Christopher's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (67 cases) and knee replacement (26 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Christopher with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Christopher ranks #17 in Arizona for hip replacement with 67 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 191 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Christopher in Phoenix?
Yes. There are 51 orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix 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 Arizona surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Christopher 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. Christopher's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 93 procedures shown here.
Does Dr. Christopher perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Christopher's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (67 cases), knee replacement (26 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Christopher affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Christopher is affiliated with Mayo Clinic Hospital.
How does Dr. Christopher compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix?
Among the 51 orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix, Dr. Christopher ranks #12 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Phoenix has 234 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Christopher practices?
Mayo Clinic Hospital (5 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 Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Christopher's 93 Medicare procedures are below the Phoenix average of 148. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Phoenix.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Steven Werner | 234 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christina Khoury | 152 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Steven Hattrup | 147 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Michael Wilmink | 144 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Kenneth Schmidt | 135 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Lige Kaplan | 128 | 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.