Hip
Dr. Walter Virkus, M.D.
Dr. Walter Virkus is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Indianapolis, Indiana. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Virkus has performed 13 Medicare-verified hip replacements, ranking #107 in Indiana.
In Indiana, Dr. Virkus performs below average in hip (13 vs 32 avg).
Dr. Virkus's Medicare data shows a focused hip replacement practice with 13 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.
Indianapolis is home to 34 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.
Dr. Virkus's Medicare record spans 3 years from 2018 through 2023. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 11 to 13 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Dr. Virkus's 13 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,526 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Virkus Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Indiana state average.
Contact & Location
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Virkus's procedure volume has been consistent across 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 13 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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.
Pain Management After Joint ReplacementA comprehensive guide to managing post-surgical pain through medication, physical therapy, cold therapy, and non-pharmacological strategies.
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. Virkus
How does Dr. Virkus's procedure volume compare to other Indiana surgeons?
Dr. Virkus has performed 13 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. Virkus ranks #206 out of 222 orthopedic surgeons in Indiana.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Virkus perform?
Dr. Virkus's reported Medicare volume is focused on hip replacement, with 13 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Virkus in Indianapolis?
Yes. There are 34 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. Virkus 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. Virkus's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 13 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Virkus's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Virkus's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 3 years of Medicare data, ranging from 11 to 13 procedures per year between 2018 and 2023. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Which hospitals is Dr. Virkus affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Virkus is affiliated with Indiana University Health.
How does Dr. Virkus compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Indianapolis?
Among the 34 orthopedic surgeons in Indianapolis, Dr. Virkus ranks #31 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Indianapolis has 153 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Virkus practices?
Indiana University Health (2 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. Virkus's 13 Medicare procedures are below the Indianapolis average of 120. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Indianapolis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Robert Meneghini | 153 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Pomeroy | 149 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. George Vestermark | 142 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Joshua Carter | 132 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Timothy Williams | 131 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Millikan | 122 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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