Dr. Melissa Wright, MD
Contact & Location
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Dr. Melissa Wright is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Saint Louis, Missouri. A Medicare provider since 2014, Dr. Wright has performed 48 Medicare-verified shoulder replacements, ranking #12 in Missouri.
In Missouri, Dr. Wright performs above average in shoulder (48 vs 31 avg).
Dr. Wright's Medicare data shows a focused shoulder replacement practice with 48 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.
Saint Louis is home to 57 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Saint Louis area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs. Dr. Wright also maintains hospital privileges in MO and IL and IA, indicating a regional practice that extends beyond Missouri.
Medicare records for Dr. Wright extend back to 2022, covering 3 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 26 to 48 in the most recent data, a 85% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 2,213 shoulder replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Wright's 48 verified procedures is above the national average of 29.
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
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. Wright Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Missouri state average.
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Wright's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 3 years, increasing 85% from 26 procedures in 2022 to 48 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 Shoulder Replacement
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
A step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
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.
Medicare Coverage for Joint ReplacementWhat Medicare Part A and Part B cover for joint replacement surgery, including hospital stays, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full shoulder replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Wright
How does Dr. Wright's procedure volume compare to other Missouri surgeons?
Dr. Wright has performed 48 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. This is in line with the Missouri average of 59 procedures per surgeon. Dr. Wright ranks #94 out of 204 orthopedic surgeons in Missouri.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Wright perform?
Dr. Wright's reported Medicare volume is focused on shoulder replacement, with 48 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
How experienced is Dr. Wright with shoulder replacement surgery?
Dr. Wright ranks #12 in Missouri for shoulder replacement with 48 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 204 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Wright in Saint Louis?
Yes. There are 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis 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 Missouri surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Wright 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. Wright's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 48 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Wright's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Wright's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 26 procedures in 2022 to 48 in the most recent data, a 85% increase over 3 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 48 procedures in 2024.
Which hospitals is Dr. Wright affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Wright is affiliated with Barnes Jewish Hospital, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Ssm Health St Mary'S Hospital -Centralia, St Lukes Regional Medical Center. Dr. Wright maintains hospital privileges across state lines, indicating a practice that serves patients in multiple states.
How does Dr. Wright compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis?
Among the 57 orthopedic surgeons in Saint Louis, Dr. Wright ranks #28 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Saint Louis has 279 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Wright practices?
Barnes Jewish Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (4 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Ssm Health St Mary'S Hospital -Centralia (2 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 Saint Louis, Missouri
Dr. Wright's 48 Medicare procedures are below the Saint Louis average of 148. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Saint Louis.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ryan Nunley | 279 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Palmer | 160 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Hubbard | 144 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Coles L'hommedieu | 139 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Ilya Bendich | 137 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Christopher Mudd | 132 | Hip, Knee |
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.