Dr. Preston Waldrop, M.D.
Contact & Location
540-444-4020
Salem, VA 24153
Dr. Waldrop performs more knee replacement procedures than 61% of orthopedic surgeons in Virginia, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #70 of 183 ranked knee surgeons in Virginia.
About Dr. Waldrop
Practice. Dr. Preston Waldrop is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Salem, Virginia. The latest annual CMS data records 57 knee replacements, 31 hip replacements, and 13 shoulder replacements, 101 procedures in all. That is #70 in Virginia for knee replacement.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2013 to 2024, 12 years. Volume has held between 86 and 130 procedures a year.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 57 procedures is above the national average of 45.
Local context. Salem has 5 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare data. Comparing volume and procedure mix across them is one way to narrow a shortlist.
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 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder 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. 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 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Waldrop's total volume across all insurers at roughly 330 to 420 procedures against the 101 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. 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, Lewisgale Hospital Alleghany.
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); Lewisgale Hospital Alleghany (3 out of 5 CMS stars, insufficient case volume for complication rate comparison). 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.