Dr. Christopher Defalco, M.D.
Contact & Location
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Dr. Christopher Defalco is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Indianapolis, Indiana. A Medicare provider since 2012, Dr. Defalco has performed 23 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#137 in Indiana) and 19 shoulder replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In Indiana, Dr. Defalco performs below average in knee (23 vs 41 avg), near average in shoulder (19 vs 23 avg).
Dr. Defalco's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (23 cases) and shoulder replacements (19 cases).
Indianapolis is home to 30 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Indianapolis area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Defalco extend back to 2021, covering 4 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 12 to 42 in the most recent data, a 250% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Defalco's 23 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Defalco Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Defalco's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 4 years, increasing 250% from 12 procedures in 2021 to 42 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 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.
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 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. Defalco
How does Dr. Defalco's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Defalco has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Indiana average is 60 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Defalco ranks #136 out of 224 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Defalco perform?
Dr. Defalco's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases) and shoulder replacement (19 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Defalco in Indianapolis?
Yes. There are 30 orthopedic surgeons in Indianapolis 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 Indiana surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Defalco 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. Defalco's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Defalco's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Defalco's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2021 to 42 in the most recent data, a 250% increase over 4 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 42 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Defalco perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Defalco's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (23 cases), shoulder replacement (19 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Defalco affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Defalco is affiliated with Community Hospital East, Community Hospital North, Community Hospital South.
How does Dr. Defalco compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Indianapolis?
Among the 30 orthopedic surgeons in Indianapolis, Dr. Defalco ranks #23 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Indianapolis has 162 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Defalco practices?
Community Hospital East (3 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Community Hospital North (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Community Hospital South (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.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Indianapolis, Indiana
Dr. Defalco's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Indianapolis average of 116. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Indianapolis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. George Vestermark | 162 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Carter | 146 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Daniel Gerow | 127 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robert Meneghini | 123 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Pomeroy | 108 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Millikan | 105 | 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.