#212 in North Carolina
Knee

Dr. Edward Walker Gallego, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
15 procedures 1 hospital Lincolnton, NC
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 15 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Edward Walker Gallego is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Lincolnton, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Walker Gallego has performed 15 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #212 in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, Dr. Walker Gallego performs below average in knee (15 vs 44 avg).

Dr. Walker Gallego's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 15 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.

Dr. Walker Gallego is the only orthopedic surgeon in Lincolnton represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Dr. Walker Gallego first appears in the Medicare dataset in 2022. With 2 years of recorded data, the longitudinal trend is still developing.

Dr. Walker Gallego's 15 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
15 verified cases
#212 in North Carolina
Estimated total: 40 – 50 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. Walker Gallego Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.

Knee Below Avg
15 Avg: 44
Dr. Walker Gallego North Carolina Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 704-732-4064
441 Mcalister Rd Ste 1100a
Lincolnton, NC 28092
NPI: 1093001323
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
15 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Walker Gallego has 2 years of Medicare procedure data beginning in 2022. Additional years of data will provide a clearer picture of volume trends.

Years of Data 2
2023 Volume 15
Peak Volume 15 (2023)
Trend Developing

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Atrium Health Lincoln
★★★★☆
Lincolnton, NC
Low case volume

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.

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. Walker Gallego

How does Dr. Walker Gallego's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?

Dr. Walker Gallego has performed 15 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Walker Gallego ranks #260 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Walker Gallego perform?

Dr. Walker Gallego's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 15 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Where is Dr. Walker Gallego's practice located?

Dr. Walker Gallego practices in Lincolnton, North Carolina. The office is located at 441 Mcalister Rd Ste 1100a, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Walker Gallego for joint replacement evaluation.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Walker Gallego 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. Walker Gallego's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 15 procedures shown here.

Which hospitals is Dr. Walker Gallego affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Walker Gallego is affiliated with Atrium Health Lincoln.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Walker Gallego practices?

Atrium Health Lincoln (4 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.

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. Edward Walker Gallego, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-edward-walker-gallego-lincolnton.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-edward-walker-gallego-lincolnton.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.