Dr. Craig Winkler, M.D.
Dr. Craig Winkler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tomball, Texas. Dr. Winkler has performed 18 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#370 in Texas) and 15 hip replacements, for a combined total of 33 procedures.
In Texas, Dr. Winkler performs below average in knee (18 vs 41 avg), below average in hip (15 vs 30 avg).
Dr. Winkler's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (18 cases) and hip replacements (15 cases).
Tomball is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Tomball area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Dr. Winkler's Medicare data spans 6 years, beginning in 2018. Volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2019 before settling at 33 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.
Dr. Winkler's 18 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. Winkler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Contact & Location
Tomball, TX 77375
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Winkler's recorded volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2019 and stood at 33 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Winkler
How does Dr. Winkler's procedure volume compare to other Texas surgeons?
Dr. Winkler has performed 33 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Texas average is 56 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Winkler ranks #323 out of 573 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Winkler perform?
Dr. Winkler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases) and hip replacement (15 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Winkler in Tomball?
Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Tomball 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 Texas surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Winkler 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. Winkler's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 33 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Winkler's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Winkler's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2019 and was 33 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. Winkler perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Winkler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases), hip replacement (15 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
Which hospitals is Dr. Winkler affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Winkler is affiliated with Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital, The Woodlands Specialty Hospital, Hca Houston Healthcare Tomball, St Lukes Lakeside Hospital, St Luke'S The Woodlands Hospital.
How does Dr. Winkler compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Tomball?
Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Tomball, Dr. Winkler ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Winkler is among the highest-volume surgeons in Tomball.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Winkler practices?
Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); The Woodlands Specialty Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison); Hca Houston Healthcare Tomball (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 Tomball, Texas
Dr. Winkler's 33 Medicare procedures are above the Tomball average of 29. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Tomball.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Mathis | 60 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Blackwell | 12 | Knee |
| Dr. Alexander Nguyen | 11 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:
These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.