Dr. John Waldrop, M.D.
Contact & Location
706-324-6661
Columbus, GA 31909
Leesburg, GA 31763
Macon, GA 31210
Dothan, AL 36303
Dr. Waldrop performs more knee replacement procedures than 49% of orthopedic surgeons in Georgia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #103 of 203 ranked knee surgeons in Georgia.
About Dr. Waldrop
Practice. Dr. John Waldrop is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. The latest annual CMS data records 28 knee replacements and 14 hip replacements, 42 procedures in all. That is #103 in Georgia for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume peaked at 275 in 2019 and stands at 42 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 28 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Columbus has 13 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 | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 62 | 167 | 0 |
| 2014 | 93 | 145 | 0 |
| 2015 | 68 | 114 | 0 |
| 2016 | 85 | 131 | 0 |
| 2017 | 77 | 129 | 0 |
| 2018 | 101 | 118 | 0 |
| 2019 | 115 | 160 | 0 |
| 2020 | 104 | 107 | 22 |
| 2021 | 20 | 40 | 0 |
| 2022 | 24 | 29 | 0 |
| 2023 | 35 | 42 | 0 |
| 2024 | 14 | 28 | 0 |
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, 25% to 33% for hip 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. Waldrop Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Waldrop's recorded volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 and stood at 42 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Waldrop
How does Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Waldrop has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Georgia average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Waldrop ranks #113 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Waldrop perform?
Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Waldrop in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 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 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, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Waldrop's total volume across all insurers at roughly 140 to 180 procedures against the 42 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. Waldrop's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Waldrop's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 and was 42 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 (28 cases), hip replacement (14 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 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Waldrop ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbus has 137 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Waldrop's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garland Gudger | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Ruark | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Fernicola | 95 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | 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.