Dr. Walter Dearolf, MD
Dr. Walter Dearolf is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Dearolf has performed 41 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#117 in Pennsylvania) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 56 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Dearolf performs near average in knee (41 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Dearolf's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (41 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Philadelphia is home to 33 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Philadelphia area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Dearolf extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 23 to 56 in the most recent data, a 143% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Dearolf's 41 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Dearolf Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Contact & Location
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Dearolf's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 143% from 23 procedures in 2013 to 56 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.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
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.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
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. Dearolf
How does Dr. Dearolf's procedure volume compare to other Pennsylvania surgeons?
Dr. Dearolf has performed 56 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Pennsylvania average of 63 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Dearolf ranks #154 out of 388 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Dearolf perform?
Dr. Dearolf's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Dearolf in Philadelphia?
Yes. There are 33 orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia 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 Pennsylvania surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Dearolf 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. Dearolf's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 56 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Dearolf's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Dearolf's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2013 to 56 in the most recent data, a 143% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 56 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Dearolf perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Dearolf's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (41 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Dearolf affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Dearolf is affiliated with Holy Redeemer Hospital And Medical Center, St Mary Medical Center.
How does Dr. Dearolf compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia?
Among the 33 orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia, Dr. Dearolf ranks #16 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Philadelphia has 200 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Dearolf practices?
Holy Redeemer Hospital And Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Mary Medical Center (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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. Dearolf's 56 Medicare procedures are below the Philadelphia average of 149. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Philadelphia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Purtill | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Melnic | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Israelite | 181 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Sizer | 161 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Nelson | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Paul Courtney | 129 | Hip, Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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