Dr. Christopher Drinkwater, MD
Contact & Location
Rochester, NY 14642
Dr. Christopher Drinkwater is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Rochester, New York. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Drinkwater has performed 33 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#115 in New York) and 24 hip replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In New York, Dr. Drinkwater performs below average in knee (33 vs 47 avg), below average in hip (24 vs 42 avg).
Dr. Drinkwater's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (33 cases) and hip replacements (24 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Drinkwater holds additional credentials in Orthopaedic Trauma, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Rochester is home to 16 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Rochester area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Drinkwater extend back to 2013, covering 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 43 to 57 in the most recent data, a 33% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Drinkwater's 33 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. Drinkwater Compares
Procedure volume compared to the New York state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Drinkwater's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 33% from 43 procedures in 2013 to 57 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.
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.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
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. Drinkwater
How does Dr. Drinkwater's procedure volume compare to other New York surgeons?
Dr. Drinkwater has performed 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the New York average of 69 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Drinkwater ranks #131 out of 334 orthopedic surgeons in New York.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Drinkwater perform?
Dr. Drinkwater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (33 cases) and hip replacement (24 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Drinkwater in Rochester?
Yes. There are 16 orthopedic surgeons in Rochester 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 New York surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Drinkwater 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. Drinkwater's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 57 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Drinkwater's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Drinkwater's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 43 procedures in 2013 to 57 in the most recent data, a 33% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 81 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Drinkwater perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Drinkwater's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (33 cases), hip replacement (24 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Drinkwater affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Drinkwater is affiliated with Highland Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Drinkwater compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Rochester?
Among the 16 orthopedic surgeons in Rochester, Dr. Drinkwater ranks #3 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Drinkwater is among the highest-volume surgeons in Rochester.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Drinkwater practices?
Highland Hospital (1 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Strong Memorial Hospital (2 out of 5 CMS stars). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Rochester, New York
Dr. Drinkwater's 57 Medicare procedures are at the Rochester average of 57. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Rochester.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Louis Okafor | 91 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. David Quinzi | 68 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. John Ginnetti | 47 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Klotz | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Myers | 45 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Sajda | 43 | 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.