#54 in Nebraska
Knee

Dr. Chris Wilkinson, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
20 procedures Kearney, NE
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 20 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Chris Wilkinson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kearney, Nebraska. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Wilkinson has performed 20 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #54 in Nebraska.

In Nebraska, Dr. Wilkinson performs below average in knee (20 vs 53 avg).

Dr. Wilkinson's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 20 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.

Kearney is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Kearney area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Wilkinson's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 95 procedures in 2016 before settling at 20 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Wilkinson's 20 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
20 verified cases
#54 in Nebraska
Estimated total: 50 – 60 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. Wilkinson Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Nebraska state average.

Knee Below Avg
20 Avg: 53
Dr. Wilkinson Nebraska Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 308-865-2512
3500 Central Ave
Kearney, NE 68847
NPI: 1396748505
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 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. Wilkinson's recorded volume peaked at 95 procedures in 2016 and stood at 20 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 20
Peak Volume 95 (2016)
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. Wilkinson

How does Dr. Wilkinson's procedure volume compare to other Nebraska surgeons?

Dr. Wilkinson has performed 20 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Nebraska average is 79 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Wilkinson ranks #67 out of 73 orthopedic surgeons in Nebraska.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wilkinson perform?

Dr. Wilkinson's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 20 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wilkinson in Kearney?

Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Kearney 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 Nebraska surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wilkinson 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. Wilkinson's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 20 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Wilkinson's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 95 procedures in 2016 and was 20 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.

How does Dr. Wilkinson compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Kearney?

Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Kearney, Dr. Wilkinson ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Wilkinson is among the highest-volume surgeons in Kearney.

Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Kearney, Nebraska

Dr. Wilkinson's 20 Medicare procedures are below the Kearney average of 118. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Kearney.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. John Wright 290 Hip, Knee, Shoulder
Dr. Ryan Deblis 146 Hip, Knee
Dr. Nolan May 16 Shoulder

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. Chris Wilkinson, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ne/dr-chris-wilkinson-kearney.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/ne/dr-chris-wilkinson-kearney.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.