Dr. Bret Winter, M.D.
Contact & Location
307-635-4300
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Dr. Winter performs more knee replacement procedures than 20% of orthopedic surgeons in Wyoming, based on 2024 Medicare claims volume.Derived from the state ranking shown on this page: #24 of 30 ranked knee surgeons in Wyoming.
About Dr. Winter
Practice. Dr. Bret Winter is an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The latest annual CMS data records 18 knee replacements and 11 shoulder replacements, 29 procedures in all. That is #24 in Wyoming for knee replacement. A Medicare provider since 2007.
Trend. Medicare records run from 2015 to 2024, 9 years. Volume rose from 12 procedures a year to 29, up 142%.
National context. Among 6,612 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, 18 procedures is below the national average of 45. Medicare covers part of all joint replacements, so true volume is likely higher.
Local context. Cheyenne has 4 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 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | 16 | 17 | 0 |
| 2019 | 16 | 26 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 17 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 23 | 17 |
| 2022 | 0 | 22 | 18 |
| 2023 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 18 | 11 |
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, 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. Winter Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Wyoming state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Winter's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 9 years, increasing 142% from 12 procedures in 2015 to 29 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.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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. Winter
How does Dr. Winter's procedure volume compare to other Wyoming surgeons?
Dr. Winter has performed 29 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Wyoming average is 55 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Winter ranks #26 out of 34 orthopedic surgeons in Wyoming.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Winter perform?
Dr. Winter's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases) and shoulder replacement (11 cases).
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Winter in Cheyenne?
Yes. There are 4 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 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, 29% to 37% for shoulder replacement, which puts Dr. Winter's total volume across all insurers at roughly 90 to 120 procedures against the 29 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. Winter's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Winter's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 12 procedures in 2015 to 29 in the most recent data, a 142% increase over 9 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 42 procedures in 2019.
Does Dr. Winter perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Winter's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (18 cases), shoulder replacement (11 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
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 4 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 29 Medicare procedures are below the Cheyenne average of 30. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Cheyenne.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael Shannon | 63 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Jean Basta | 13 | Knee |
| Dr. Jonathan Knott | 13 | 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.