#28 in Wyoming
Knee

Dr. Bret Winter, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
11 procedures 1 hospital Cheyenne, WY
Latest available Medicare data — updated April 2026
Knee replacement recovery kit Ice machines, mobility aids, bathroom safety — under $50 essentials
National Comparison by Procedure
Knee 11 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Bret Winter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dr. Winter has performed 11 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #28 in Wyoming.

In Wyoming, Dr. Winter performs below average in knee (11 vs 34 avg).

Dr. Winter's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 11 verified procedures. Surgeons who concentrate on a single procedure type often develop deep procedural expertise, though total practice volume may include additional procedures not captured in Medicare fee-for-service data.

Cheyenne is home to 3 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Cheyenne area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Winter's Medicare data spans 8 years, beginning in 2015. Volume peaked at 42 procedures in 2019 before settling at 11 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Winter's 11 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.

Verified Medicare Cases

Knee Replacement
11 verified cases
#28 in Wyoming
Estimated total: 30 – 30 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. Winter Compares

Procedure volume compared to the Wyoming state average.

Knee Below Avg
11 Avg: 34
Dr. Winter Wyoming Average

Contact & Location

4017 Rawlins St
Cheyenne, WY 82001
NPI: 1427252865
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Winter's recorded volume peaked at 42 procedures in 2019 and stood at 11 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 8
2023 Volume 11
Peak Volume 42 (2019)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
★★★☆☆
Cheyenne, WY
Similar to national avg

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.

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. Winter

How does Dr. Winter's procedure volume compare to other Wyoming surgeons?

Dr. Winter has performed 11 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Wyoming average is 53 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Winter ranks #31 out of 32 orthopedic surgeons in Wyoming.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Winter perform?

Dr. Winter's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 11 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Winter in Cheyenne?

Yes. There are 3 orthopedic surgeons in Cheyenne 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 Wyoming surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Winter 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. Winter's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 11 procedures shown here.

Has Dr. Winter's procedure volume changed over time?

Dr. Winter's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 42 procedures in 2019 and was 11 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.

Which hospitals is Dr. Winter affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Winter is affiliated with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.

How does Dr. Winter compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Cheyenne?

Among the 3 orthopedic surgeons in Cheyenne, Dr. Winter ranks #2 by total Medicare procedure volume. Dr. Winter is among the highest-volume surgeons in Cheyenne.

What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Winter practices?

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (3 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 Cheyenne, Wyoming

Dr. Winter's 11 Medicare procedures are below the Cheyenne average of 35. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cheyenne.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. Michael Shannon 83 Hip, Knee
Dr. Jonathan Knott 11 Shoulder

Patient Reviews & Ratings

OrthoProcedures.com focuses on verified Medicare procedure data. For patient reviews, ratings, and appointment scheduling, visit these trusted platforms:

These links lead to third-party websites. OrthoProcedures.com is not affiliated with these platforms and cannot verify the accuracy of reviews.

Cite This Data

APA: OrthoProcedures. (2026). Dr. Bret Winter, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wy/dr-bret-winter-cheyenne.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/wy/dr-bret-winter-cheyenne.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.