Dr. Preston Waldrop, M.D.
Dr. Preston Waldrop is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Salem, Virginia. Dr. Waldrop has completed 79 knee replacements (#43 in Virginia), 40 hip replacements, and 11 shoulder replacements, totaling 130 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Virginia, Dr. Waldrop performs above average in knee (79 vs 58 avg), near average in hip (40 vs 47 avg), below average in shoulder (11 vs 34 avg).
Dr. Waldrop performs all three major joint replacement procedures — hip, knee, and shoulder — indicating a broad scope of orthopedic practice. The largest share is knee replacements (79 cases), followed by hip replacements (40) and shoulder replacements (11).
Salem is home to 6 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Salem area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Waldrop extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 89 to 130 in the most recent data, a 46% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Waldrop's 79 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
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. Waldrop Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Virginia state average.
Contact & Location
Salem, VA 24153
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Waldrop's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 46% from 89 procedures in 2013 to 130 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. Waldrop
How does Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume compare to other Virginia surgeons?
Dr. Waldrop has performed 130 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is significantly above the Virginia average of 83 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Waldrop ranks #47 out of 223 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Waldrop perform?
Dr. Waldrop performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (79 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Waldrop in Salem?
Yes. There are 6 orthopedic surgeons in Salem 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 Virginia surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Waldrop 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. Waldrop's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 130 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Waldrop's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 89 procedures in 2013 to 130 in the most recent data, a 46% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 130 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Waldrop perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (79 cases), hip replacement (40 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). Performing all three major joint replacements places Dr. Waldrop among the 5% of orthopedic surgeons nationally who cover hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.
Which hospitals is Dr. Waldrop affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Waldrop is affiliated with Lewisgale Medical Center, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
How does Dr. Waldrop compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Salem?
Among the 6 orthopedic surgeons in Salem, Dr. Waldrop ranks #1 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Waldrop has the highest verified Medicare volume in the city.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Waldrop practices?
Lewisgale Medical Center (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Carilion Roanoke Memorial 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 Salem, Virginia
Dr. Waldrop's 130 Medicare procedures are above the Salem average of 67. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Salem.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Phillip Patterson | 71 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Hagy | 69 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robyn Hakanson | 52 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Smalley | 52 | Shoulder |
| Dr. Alfred Durham | 28 | Knee |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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