Dr. John Waldrop, M.D.
Contact & Location
Columbus, GA 31909
Dr. John Waldrop is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Columbus, Georgia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Waldrop has performed 28 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#103 in Georgia) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In Georgia, Dr. Waldrop performs below average in knee (28 vs 40 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 33 avg).
Dr. Waldrop's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (28 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Columbus is home to 13 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Columbus area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 before settling at 42 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Waldrop's 28 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. Waldrop Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Georgia state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Waldrop's recorded volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 and stood at 42 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Waldrop
How does Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume compare to other Georgia surgeons?
Dr. Waldrop has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Georgia average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Waldrop ranks #113 out of 245 orthopedic surgeons in Georgia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Waldrop perform?
Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Waldrop in Columbus?
Yes. There are 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus 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 Georgia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Waldrop 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. Waldrop's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Waldrop's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 275 procedures in 2019 and was 42 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.
Does Dr. Waldrop perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (28 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Waldrop compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Columbus?
Among the 13 orthopedic surgeons in Columbus, Dr. Waldrop ranks #7 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Columbus has 137 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Columbus, Georgia
Dr. Waldrop's 42 Medicare procedures are below the Columbus average of 86. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Columbus.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Garland Gudger | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Randall Ruark | 122 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Patrick Fernicola | 95 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Matthew Stewart | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ryan Geringer | 71 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. James McGrory | 53 | 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.