Dr. Christopher Walsh, M.D.
Contact & Location
Little River, SC 29566
Dr. Christopher Walsh is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Little River, South Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2011, Dr. Walsh has performed 100 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#22 in South Carolina) and 51 hip replacements, for a combined total of 151 procedures.
In South Carolina, Dr. Walsh performs above average in knee (100 vs 58 avg), near average in hip (51 vs 45 avg).
Dr. Walsh's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (100 cases) and hip replacements (51 cases).
Beyond general orthopedic surgery, Dr. Walsh holds additional credentials in Adult Reconstructive Orthopaedic Surgery, reflecting subspecialty training that may benefit patients with complex joint conditions.
Little River is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Little River area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Walsh extend back to 2018, covering 7 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 25 to 151 in the most recent data, a 504% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Walsh's 100 verified procedures is more than 2x 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. Walsh Compares
Procedure volume compared to the South Carolina state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Walsh's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 7 years, increasing 504% from 25 procedures in 2018 to 151 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. Walsh
How does Dr. Walsh's procedure volume compare to other South Carolina surgeons?
Dr. Walsh has performed 151 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the South Carolina average of 76 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Walsh ranks #23 out of 158 orthopedic surgeons in South Carolina.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Walsh perform?
Dr. Walsh's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (100 cases) and hip replacement (51 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Walsh in Little River?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Little River 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 South Carolina surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Walsh 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. Walsh's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 151 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Walsh's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Walsh's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 25 procedures in 2018 to 151 in the most recent data, a 504% increase over 7 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 169 procedures in 2022.
Does Dr. Walsh perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Walsh's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (100 cases), hip replacement (51 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Walsh affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Walsh is affiliated with Mcleod Loris Hospital.
How does Dr. Walsh compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Little River?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Little River, Dr. Walsh ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Walsh is among the highest-volume surgeons in Little River.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Walsh practices?
Mcleod Loris Hospital (4 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 Little River, South Carolina
Dr. Walsh's 151 Medicare procedures are above the Little River average of 112. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Little River.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Eric Heimberger | 199 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Colin Canham | 55 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy McCallum | 42 | Shoulder |
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.