Dr. Ronald Christopher, MD
Dr. Ronald Christopher is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Morristown, Tennessee. Dr. Christopher has performed 31 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#90 in Tennessee) and 11 hip replacements, for a combined total of 42 procedures.
In Tennessee, Dr. Christopher performs below average in knee (31 vs 45 avg), below average in hip (11 vs 36 avg).
Dr. Christopher's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (31 cases) and hip replacements (11 cases).
Morristown is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Morristown area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Christopher's Medicare data spans 11 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2013 before settling at 42 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Christopher's 31 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
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. Christopher Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Tennessee state average.
Contact & Location
Morristown, TN 37814
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Christopher's recorded volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2013 and stood at 42 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 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. Christopher
How does Dr. Christopher's procedure volume compare to other Tennessee surgeons?
Dr. Christopher has performed 42 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Tennessee average is 64 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Christopher ranks #118 out of 214 orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Christopher perform?
Dr. Christopher's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases) and hip replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Christopher in Morristown?
Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Morristown 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 Tennessee surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Christopher 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. Christopher's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 42 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Christopher's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Christopher's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 77 procedures in 2013 and was 42 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. Christopher perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Christopher's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (31 cases), hip replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Christopher affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Christopher is affiliated with Morristown Hamblen Hospital Association.
How does Dr. Christopher compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Morristown?
Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Morristown, Dr. Christopher ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Christopher has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Christopher practices?
Morristown Hamblen Hospital Association (2 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 Morristown, Tennessee
Dr. Christopher's 42 Medicare procedures are above the Morristown average of 26. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Morristown.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Nicholas Grimaldi | 22 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Bratton | 14 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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