Knee
Dr. Raymond Whitehead, MD
Dr. Raymond Whitehead is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Whitehead has performed 53 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #23 in Mississippi.
In Mississippi, Dr. Whitehead performs near average in knee (53 vs 63 avg).
Dr. Whitehead's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 53 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.
Hattiesburg is home to 10 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Hattiesburg area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Whitehead extend back to 2013, covering 11 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 29 to 53 in the most recent data, a 83% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Among 6,720 knee replacement surgeons tracked nationally, Dr. Whitehead's 53 verified procedures is near the national average of 45.
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. Whitehead Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Mississippi state average.
Contact & Location
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Whitehead's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 11 years, increasing 83% from 29 procedures in 2013 to 53 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.
What to Expect on the Day of SurgeryA step-by-step walkthrough of your surgical day, from pre-op preparation through anesthesia, the procedure itself, and the first hours of recovery.
Nutrition and Recovery After Joint ReplacementHow protein intake, anti-inflammatory foods, hydration, and targeted supplements support bone healing and tissue repair after surgery.
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.
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. Whitehead
How does Dr. Whitehead's procedure volume compare to other Mississippi surgeons?
Dr. Whitehead has performed 53 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Mississippi average is 70 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Whitehead ranks #33 out of 80 orthopedic surgeons in Mississippi.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Whitehead perform?
Dr. Whitehead's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 53 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Whitehead in Hattiesburg?
Yes. There are 10 orthopedic surgeons in Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Whitehead 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. Whitehead's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 53 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Whitehead's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Whitehead's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 29 procedures in 2013 to 53 in the most recent data, a 83% increase over 11 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 53 procedures in 2023.
Which hospitals is Dr. Whitehead affiliated with?
According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Whitehead is affiliated with Forrest General Hospital.
How does Dr. Whitehead compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Hattiesburg?
Among the 10 orthopedic surgeons in Hattiesburg, Dr. Whitehead ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Hattiesburg has 171 verified Medicare procedures.
What are the quality ratings for hospitals where Dr. Whitehead practices?
Forrest General Hospital (2 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 Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Dr. Whitehead's 53 Medicare procedures are below the Hattiesburg average of 76. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Hattiesburg.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. James Sikes | 171 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Donald Ward | 116 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Frederick Gregg | 73 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Brian Humpherys | 49 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Michael Cox | 42 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Lawrence Line | 27 | Shoulder |
Patient Reviews & Ratings
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