Dr. Walter Dearolf, M.D.
Contact & Location
215-745-4050
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Dr. Dearolf performs more knee replacement procedures than 59% of orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #124 of 308 ranked knee surgeons in Pennsylvania.
About Dr. Dearolf
Practice. Dr. Walter Dearolf is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The latest annual CMS data records 39 knee replacements and 18 hip replacements, 57 procedures in all. That is #124 in Pennsylvania for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2006.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume rose from 23 procedures a year to 57, up 148%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 39 procedures is near the national average of 45.
Local context. Philadelphia has 30 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 23 |
| 2014 | 0 | 24 |
| 2015 | 0 | 19 |
| 2016 | 0 | 19 |
| 2017 | 0 | 27 |
| 2018 | 0 | 28 |
| 2019 | 0 | 24 |
| 2020 | 17 | 23 |
| 2021 | 16 | 33 |
| 2022 | 0 | 41 |
| 2023 | 15 | 41 |
| 2024 | 18 | 39 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Dearolf Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Pennsylvania state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Dearolf's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 12 years, increasing 148% from 23 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.
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 57 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Pennsylvania average of 66 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Dearolf ranks #152 out of 376 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Dearolf perform?
Dr. Dearolf's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases) and hip replacement (18 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Dearolf in Philadelphia?
Yes. There are 30 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 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Dearolf's total volume across all insurers at roughly 190 to 240 procedures against the 57 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Dearolf's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Dearolf's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 23 procedures in 2013 to 57 in the most recent data, a 148% increase over 12 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 57 procedures in 2024.
Does Dr. Dearolf perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Dearolf's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (39 cases), hip replacement (18 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 30 orthopedic surgeons in Philadelphia, Dr. Dearolf ranks #13 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 57 Medicare procedures are below the Philadelphia average of 152. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Philadelphia.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Christopher Melnic | 200 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Craig Israelite | 195 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. James Purtill | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Sizer | 165 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Neil Sheth | 138 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Charles Nelson | 137 | 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.