Dr. Craig Winkler, M.D.
Contact & Location
281-351-7261
Tomball, TX 77375
The Woodlands, TX 77380
Dr. Winkler performs more knee replacement procedures than 57% of orthopedic surgeons in Texas, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #210 of 489 ranked knee surgeons in Texas.
About Dr. Winkler
Practice. Dr. Craig Winkler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tomball, Texas. The latest annual CMS data records 35 knee replacements and 25 hip replacements, 60 procedures in all. That is #210 in Texas for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2013.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2018 to 2024, 7 years. Volume peaked at 105 in 2019 and stands at 60 now. Reporting changes and payer mix can both move that number.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 35 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 26 | 34 |
| 2019 | 40 | 65 |
| 2020 | 0 | 11 |
| 2021 | 22 | 31 |
| 2022 | 28 | 25 |
| 2023 | 15 | 18 |
| 2024 | 25 | 35 |
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims are one payer stream among several, and the share they represent differs by procedure. In 2024 it was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement. Each verified count above is divided by its own procedure's range, and the results are added, to estimate total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count is the definitive, audited figure; this is a range derived from published national volume projections, not a measurement, and an individual practice can sit well outside it: how these ranges are derived, and their sources.
How Dr. Winkler Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Texas state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Winkler's recorded volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2019 and stood at 60 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 60 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Texas average of 57 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Winkler ranks #181 out of 582 orthopedic surgeons in Texas.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Winkler perform?
Dr. Winkler's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (35 cases) and hip replacement (25 cases).
Where is Dr. Winkler's practice located?
Dr. Winkler practices in Tomball, Texas. The office is located at 13603 Michel Rd, Tomball, TX 77375. Patients in the surrounding area can consult Dr. Winkler for joint replacement evaluation.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Winkler represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on 2024 Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare fee-for-service is only one payer stream, and the share of national volume it represents differs by procedure. In 2024 the share was 23% to 28% for knee replacement, 25% to 33% for hip replacement, which puts Dr. Winkler's total volume across all insurers at roughly 200 to 250 procedures against the 60 verified here. Those shares are derived from published national volume projections rather than quoted from a single publication, and they are estimates with real uncertainty. The OrthoProcedures methodology page shows the full derivation, the sources, and the limits at orthoprocedures.com/data-methodology.html.
Has Dr. Winkler's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Winkler's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2019 and was 60 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 (35 cases), hip replacement (25 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, Hca Houston Healthcare Tomball, St Lukes Lakeside Hospital, The Woodlands Specialty Hospital, St Luke'S The Woodlands Hospital.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Winkler practices?
Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital (hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Hca Houston Healthcare Tomball (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); St Lukes Lakeside Hospital (insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). These are hospital-level quality metrics from CMS Hospital Compare and do not reflect individual surgeon outcomes.
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.