Dr. Preston Waldrop, M.D.
Contact & Location
540-444-4020
Salem, VA 24153
About Dr. Waldrop
Dr. Preston Waldrop is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Salem, Virginia. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Waldrop completed 57 knee replacements (#70 in Virginia), 31 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements in the latest annual CMS data, totaling 101 Medicare-verified procedures.
In Virginia, Dr. Waldrop performs near the state average in knee (57 vs 58), below the state average in hip (31 vs 47), below the state average in shoulder (13 vs 33).
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 (57 cases), followed by hip replacements (31) and shoulder replacements (13).
Salem is home to 5 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.
Dr. Waldrop's Medicare record spans 12 years from 2013 through 2024. Procedure volume has remained consistent during that period, ranging from 86 to 130 procedures per year, reflecting a steady joint replacement practice.
Among 6,599 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Waldrop's 57 verified procedures is above the national average of 45.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
| Year | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement | Shoulder Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 60 | 12 |
| 2014 | 23 | 57 | 20 |
| 2015 | 31 | 48 | 33 |
| 2016 | 40 | 61 | 22 |
| 2017 | 38 | 54 | 18 |
| 2018 | 23 | 51 | 12 |
| 2019 | 50 | 76 | 0 |
| 2020 | 32 | 59 | 0 |
| 2021 | 50 | 69 | 0 |
| 2022 | 36 | 69 | 20 |
| 2023 | 40 | 79 | 11 |
| 2024 | 31 | 57 | 13 |
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.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume has been consistent across 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 86 to 130 procedures per year. This stability suggests a well-established joint replacement practice.
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 101 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Virginia average of 82 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Waldrop ranks #66 out of 229 orthopedic surgeons in Virginia.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Waldrop perform?
Dr. Waldrop performs all three major joint replacement procedures: knee replacement (57 cases), hip replacement (31 cases), shoulder replacement (13 cases). This breadth indicates a comprehensive orthopedic joint replacement practice.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Waldrop in Salem?
Yes. There are 5 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 101 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume changed over time?
Dr. Waldrop's procedure volume has been relatively stable over 12 years of Medicare data, ranging from 86 to 130 procedures per year between 2013 and 2024. Consistent volume over multiple years reflects a steady joint replacement practice.
Does Dr. Waldrop perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Waldrop's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (57 cases), hip replacement (31 cases), shoulder replacement (13 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 5 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 101 Medicare procedures are above the Salem average of 69. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Salem.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Phillip Patterson | 85 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Robyn Hakanson | 65 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Mark Hagy | 50 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jeremy Smalley | 44 | Shoulder |
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.