#41 Hip
#57 Knee

Dr. John Waldrop, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
77 procedures Columbus, GA
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 35 vs 36 avg (4,526 surgeons)
Knee 42 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. John Waldrop is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Waldrop has performed 42 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#57 in Georgia) and 35 hip replacements, for a combined total of 77 procedures.

In Georgia, Dr. Waldrop performs near average in knee (42 vs 40 avg), near average in hip (35 vs 33 avg).

Dr. Waldrop's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (42 cases) and hip replacements (35 cases).

Columbus is home to 14 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbus area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 before settling at 77 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Waldrop's 42 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
42 verified cases
#57 in Georgia
Hip Replacement
35 verified cases
#41 in Georgia
Estimated total: 210 – 230 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. Waldrop Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.

Hip Average
35 Avg: 33
Knee Average
42 Avg: 40
Dr. Waldrop Georgia Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 706-324-6661
6262 Veterans Pkwy
Columbus, GA 31909
NPI: 1013950120
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
20 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Waldrop's recorded volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 and stood at 77 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 11
2023 Volume 77
Peak Volume 275 (2019)
Trend Declining

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. Waldrop

How does Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?

Dr. Waldrop has performed 77 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Georgia average of 55 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Waldrop ranks #55 out of 255 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Waldrop perform?

Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases) and hip replacement (35 cases).

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Waldrop in Columbus?

Yes. There are 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Waldrop 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. Waldrop's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 77 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Waldrop's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 and was 77 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.

Does Dr. Waldrop perform more than one type of joint replacement?

Yes. Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (42 cases), hip replacement (35 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.

How does Dr. Waldrop compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?

Among the 14 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Waldrop ranks #6 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbus has 151 verified Medicare procedures.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbus, Georgia

Dr. Waldrop's 77 Medicare procedures are below the Columbus average of 102. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Garland Gudger 151 Hip, Knee
Dr. Randall Ruark 136 Hip, Knee
Dr. Patrick Fernicola 128 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Ryan Geringer 85 Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Matthew Stewart 81 Hip, Knee
Dr. Luther Wolff 58 Hip, 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. John Waldrop, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ga/dr-john-waldrop-columbus.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ga/dr-john-waldrop-columbus.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.