Dr. Christopher Hutchins, MD
Contact & Location
Westerly, RI 02891
Dr. Christopher Hutchins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Westerly, Rhode Island. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Hutchins has performed 23 Medicare-verified hip replacements (#10 in Rhode Island) and 22 knee replacements, for a combined total of 45 procedures.
In Rhode Island, Dr. Hutchins performs near average in hip (23 vs 27 avg), below average in knee (22 vs 35 avg).
Dr. Hutchins's reported Medicare volume is split between hip replacements (23 cases) and knee replacements (22 cases).
Westerly is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Westerly area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Hutchins also maintains hospital privileges in CT and RI, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Rhode Island.
Dr. Hutchins's Medicare data spans 12 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2013 before settling at 45 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Hutchins's 23 hip replacement procedures is below the national average of 36 among 4,532 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. Hutchins Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Rhode Island state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Hutchins's recorded volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2013 and stood at 45 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.
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 Hip Replacement
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
Understanding the progression from conservative treatments to surgical intervention, and how to determine when hip replacement becomes the right choice.
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.
Hip Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after hip replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full hip replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Hutchins
How does Dr. Hutchins's procedure volume compare to other Rhode Island surgeons?
Dr. Hutchins has performed 45 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Rhode Island average of 56 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Hutchins ranks #17 out of 28 orthopedic surgeons in Rhode Island.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Hutchins perform?
Dr. Hutchins's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (23 cases) and knee replacement (22 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Hutchins with hip replacement surgery?
Dr. Hutchins ranks #10 in Rhode Island for hip replacement with 23 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 28 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Hutchins in Westerly?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Westerly 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 Rhode Island surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Hutchins 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. Hutchins's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 45 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Hutchins's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Hutchins's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 79 procedures in 2013 and was 45 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. Hutchins perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Hutchins's Medicare data shows procedures in hip replacement (23 cases), knee replacement (22 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Hutchins affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Hutchins is affiliated with Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, Westerly Hospital. Dr. Hutchins maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Hutchins compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Westerly?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Westerly, Dr. Hutchins ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Hutchins is among the highest-volume surgeons in Westerly.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Hutchins practices?
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Westerly Hospital (5 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Westerly, Rhode Island
Dr. Hutchins's 45 Medicare procedures are above the Westerly average of 41. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Westerly.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Mouhanad El Othmani | 46 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Stephen Gross | 33 | 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.