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Dr. Christopher Drinkwater, MD

Dr. Christopher Drinkwater, MD

Orthopedic Surgery*

Dr. Christopher Drinkwater, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Rochester, NY. He is affiliated with medical facilities Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

4 Star Rating
Based on 49 reviews 4 Star Rating (49 reviews)

Practice

601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY 14642
Telehealth available

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Hospital Highlight

Dr. Drinkwater is affiliated with Highland Hospital Rochester, a highly rated hospital.

At a Glance

  • Area of Expertise
    Dr. Drinkwater specializes in the area of Orthopedic Surgery. See board certifications
  • Explains Conditions Well
    Patients said this doctor explains conditions well. See reviews
  • Offers Telehealth
    This doctor offers telehealth appointments. Call the office to schedule an appointment.
  • Practices at Highly Recommended Hospital
    Patients recommend this hospital to family and friends. See hospitals
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Dr. Drinkwater's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Drinkwater

4.0
49 ratings, 14 with a written review
5 star
71%
71%
4 star
2%
2%
3 star
0%
0%
2 star
4%
4%
1 star
22%
22%

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Outstanding Orthopedic Surgeon and Supporting Team
I have had two total hip replacements and a recent knee replacement performed by Dr. Drinkwater, all with outstanding results. In every case he spent considerable time to help me understand the diagnosis and treatment options. He took time to address all questions and to explain the rehabilitation path in realistic terms. He performed the surgeries when I was ready to proceed. He is surrounded by a great team of physician assistants, nurse coordinators and admin staff. He has a friendly and easy going manner.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
John Antonucci – Feb 28, 2025
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Selective Team
referrals were ignored .
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • I didn't feel respected
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Time is our most precious commodity – Apr 30, 2024
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I have had Dr Drinkwater for Total Knee Replacement for both my R and L knees and have been very pleased with both replacements. He always completely answered any questions I had, as well as explaining the procedure I would be having . I would highly recommend Dr Drinkwater to family members and friends.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
3 others found this helpful
Helpful
David J. Samer – Nov 27, 2023
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Excellent orthopedic surgeon and practice
Competent and compassionate orthopedic surgeon performs joint replacement surgery at the top of his field. Any negative reviews are most likely from sour grapes or people who didn't hear what they wanted due to improper expectations.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Just a guy – Aug 12, 2023
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Left knee replacement
Outstanding Orthopedic surgeon. Performed left knee replacement with no complications. Prior visits for xrays & consultations he was patient & answered all my questions. Iam pain free!
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
MB – Apr 05, 2023
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Anterior hip replacement
Perfect. Within a few weeks I was walking first with a cane and soon without. Now, there are no complications and I am able to participate in workouts including strength training.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Peter Brizee – Dec 10, 2022
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I highly recommend Dr. Drinkwater. He did my rt. Hip Resurface 7 years ago without any problems and my Quality of life is second to none. The same is for my lt. hip resurfacing. He's got a great bedside manner and his knowledge and confidence are unbeatable in my opinion.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Apr 22, 2019
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I couldn't thinking of higher praise for Dr. Drinkwater's work. He performed my wife's hip replacement 6 years ago, and because of his work and treatment of her, I went to him for my hip replacement two weeks ago. There was along waiting list, but it was well worth the wait. He was very professional, courteous. For a busy guy, he took time to see me just before the surgery and after the surgery, and answered all my questions. No hesitation in recommending him.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
9 others found this helpful
Helpful
Chuck in Rochester, NY – Feb 06, 2018
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The patient needs and concerns comes after the System's, Legal liability's, the Doctor's, the cleaning staff's, and maybe his dog.. he doesn't care despite claiming ICARE values--what a joke. I have never met a more arrogant person in my life. He dismisses people when he is done listening.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
35 others found this helpful
Helpful
Rochester,ny – Sep 04, 2017
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I am 8 weeks post op from total knee replacement. I am very pleased with my outcome so far. Dr. Drinkwater thoroughly explained my options with pros and cons for each option so I could make the best informed decision for my treatment. My surgery went very well He is very caring, listens and fully answered my questions and concerns. I easily recommend him to everyone with orthopedic issues. I'm very happy I chose him for my surgery. His office is very well run and pleasant to go to.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
7 others found this helpful
Helpful
barbara T in Victor, NY – Sep 01, 2017
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I cannot remember the last time a doctor sat with me and answered all my questions, and explained my options. Anytime you consider surgery, it's a big step, and you want to know what your options are. I'm happy to say that after talking with Dr. Drinkwater, I have a great outlook on the future. He did not try to push surgery, he gave me my options and explained what the pros and cons of each were. You may have to wait a while to get into see him, but it will definitely be worth it.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
  • Long wait times
11 others found this helpful
Helpful
Ted. L in Lyons, NY – Jan 20, 2017
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Dr. Drinkwater is a wonderful doctor. Even though I had some complications, he was very compassionate and helpful in my recovery. It has almost been a year since my surgery but this past weekend I was able to do some hiking in New Hampshire. I am so much better then I was. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing hip replacement.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
5 others found this helpful
Helpful
Lorie T in Rochester NY – Oct 16, 2016
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When considering THR for my two very arthritic hips, I saw Dr. Drinkwater because of recommendations as an excellent orthopedic surgeon. He was the one to suggest the anterior approach. I had my first THR in November 2014 and the second April 2015. I experienced all of the benefits of anterior vs traditional, and wholeheartedly recommend both it as a procedure and Dr. Drinkwater as a surgeon.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
17 others found this helpful
Helpful
Lauren Wetzelberg in Pittsford, NY – Jul 05, 2016
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I would highly recommend Dr Drinkwater for hip replacement surgery. He is exceptional for using the Anterior Approach which reduces the healing time by 2/3's. There are also no hip precautions afterward. His choice of Anesthesiologist was superior this second time. The spinal block worked so well that less anesthesia was necessary, and it lasted for at least 2 days afterward, making the use of narcotics and the consequences of those less of a factor. I am extremely pleased with Dr. D.'s work
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
37 others found this helpful
Helpful
Cynthia L. Rau in Honeoye Falls, NY – Feb 03, 2016
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About Me

biography

Dr. Christopher Drinkwater, MD is an orthopedic surgeon in Rochester, NY. He is affiliated with medical facilities Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
  • Orthopedic Surgery

  • Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • St. Vincent`s Medical Center-australia

    Residency Hospital, 1988
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery®
Orthopedic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.

Locations

Practice

University of Rochester601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY 14642
1
Ur Medicine Labs-Highland Hospital1000 South Ave Rochester, NY 14620
2

Practice

Strong Memorial Hospital-University of R10 Miracle Mile Dr Rochester, NY 14623
3

Affiliated Hospitals

  • Strong Memorial Hospital

    601 Elmwood Ave
    Rochester, NY 14642
    Recipient of 4
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    88%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    4% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    1% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • Highland Hospital

    1000 South Ave
    Rochester, NY 14620
    Recipient of 6
    hospital awards

    Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2024)

    Superior clinical outcomes in surgical care across 15 of the most common in-hospital surgical procedures including cardiac, vascular, joint replacement, prostate, spine, and gastrointestinal surgeries

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    86%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% higher than the national average

    77%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    1% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
Learn more about how Healthgrades measures Hospital Quality