Dr. Lawrence Walker, M.D.
Contact & Location
909-726-6100
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Dr. Walker performs more knee replacement procedures than 2% of orthopedic surgeons in California, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #481 of 491 ranked knee surgeons in California.
About Dr. Walker
Practice. Dr. Lawrence Walker is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lake Arrowhead, California. The latest annual CMS data records 11 knee replacements. That is #481 in California for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2005.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 6 years. Volume peaked at 27 in 2013 and stands at 11 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 11 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11 | 16 |
| 2014 | 0 | 15 |
| 2015 | 0 | 15 |
| 2016 | 0 | 16 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 | 18 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 11 |
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. 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. Walker Compares
Procedure volume compared to the California state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Walker's recorded volume peaked at 27 procedures in 2013 and stood at 11 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Walker
How does Dr. Walker's procedure volume compare to other California surgeons?
Dr. Walker has performed 11 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The California average is 68 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Walker ranks #601 out of 613 orthopedic surgeons in California.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Walker perform?
Dr. Walker's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 11 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Where is Dr. Walker's practice located?
Dr. Walker practices in Lake Arrowhead, California. The office is located at 29099 Hospital Road, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Walker for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Walker 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, which puts Dr. Walker's total volume across all insurers at roughly 40 to 50 procedures against the 11 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. Walker's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Walker's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 27 procedures in 2013 and was 11 in the most recent data. Volume fluctuations can reflect changes in payer mix, practice focus, or Medicare reporting rather than a change in overall surgical activity.
Which hospitals is Dr. Walker affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Walker is affiliated with Mountains Community Hospital, St Bernardine Medical Center.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Walker practices?
St Bernardine Medical Center (3 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.
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.