Dr. Walter Dearolf, MD
Contact & Location
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Dr. Walter Dearolf is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Dearolf has performed 39 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#124 in Pennsylvania) and 18 hip replacements, for a combined total of 57 procedures.
In Pennsylvania, Dr. Dearolf performs near average in knee (39 vs 47 avg), below average in hip (18 vs 37 avg).
Dr. Dearolf's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (39 cases) and hip replacements (18 cases).
Philadelphia is home to 30 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 12 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 23 to 57 in the most recent data, a 148% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Dearolf's 39 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. 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 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 57 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 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.