Dr. Craig Winkler, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery
60 procedures 5 hospitals Tomball, TX
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026

Contact & Location

Phone: 281-351-7261
Practice phone listed in the NPI registry
13603 Michel Rd
Tomball, TX 77375
NPI: 1669818720
Credentials: M.D.
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
13 years of practice experience
Licensed M.D.
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety, all under $50
National Comparison by Procedure
Hip 25 vs 36 avg (4,532 surgeons)
Knee 35 vs 45 avg (6,599 surgeons)

Dr. Craig Winkler is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Tomball, Texas. A Medicare provider since 2013, Dr. Winkler has performed 35 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#210 in Texas) and 25 hip replacements, for a combined total of 60 procedures.

In Texas, Dr. Winkler performs near average in knee (35 vs 42 avg), near average in hip (25 vs 31 avg).

Dr. Winkler's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (35 cases) and hip replacements (25 cases).

Dr. Winkler is the only orthopedic surgeon in Tomball represented in the current Medicare dataset, serving as the primary local option for patients considering joint replacement surgery in the area.

Dr. Winkler's Medicare data spans 7 years, beginning in 2018. Volume peaked at 105 procedures in 2019 before settling at 60 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 35 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,599 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
35 verified cases
#210 in Texas
Hip Replacement
25 verified cases
#136 in Texas
Estimated total: 160 – 180 procedures (all insurers)
Based on Medicare FFS representing 33–37% of national joint replacement volume
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.

Hip Average
25 Avg: 31
Knee Average
35 Avg: 42
Dr. Winkler Texas 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.

Years of Data 7
2024 Volume 60
Peak Volume 105 (2019)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital
Houston, TX
Similar to national avg
H
The Woodlands Specialty Hospital
Spring, TX
Low case volume
H
Hca Houston Healthcare Tomball
2/5
Tomball, TX
Similar to national avg
H
St Lukes Lakeside Hospital
The Woodlands, TX
Low case volume
H
St Luke'S The Woodlands Hospital
4/5
The Woodlands, TX
Low case volume

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:

Knee Replacement Recovery Overview

Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:

Week 1-2 Walking with assistive device. Knee bending exercises begin immediately. Ice therapy and elevation for swelling control.
Week 3-6 Increased range of motion (target 90 degrees). Walking longer distances. Physical therapy intensifies with strengthening exercises.
Week 7-12 Most patients walk without assistive devices. Resume driving and desk work. Continue PT for strength and flexibility.
Month 4-6 Near-full recovery. Resume most recreational activities. Some swelling and stiffness may persist but continues improving.

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 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 60 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 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, The Woodlands Specialty Hospital, Hca Houston Healthcare Tomball, St Lukes Lakeside 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); 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.

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.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Craig Winkler, M.D. -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/tx/dr-craig-winkler-tomball.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/tx/dr-craig-winkler-tomball.html

Data source: CMS Medicare Part B Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Full methodology | Open Data API

Important: Rankings are based solely on Medicare procedure volume and do not reflect quality of care, patient outcomes, or procedures covered by private insurance. This data represents approximately one-third to 40% of all joint replacement procedures nationwide. Always consult with healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.