#208 in North Carolina
Knee

Dr. Bruce Cox, MD

Orthopedic Surgery
16 procedures 2 hospitals Shelby, NC
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 16 vs 45 avg (6,720 surgeons)

Dr. Bruce Cox is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Shelby, North Carolina. A Medicare provider since 2005, Dr. Cox has performed 16 Medicare-verified knee replacements, ranking #208 in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, Dr. Cox performs below average in knee (16 vs 44 avg).

Dr. Cox's Medicare data shows a focused knee replacement practice with 16 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.

Shelby is home to 4 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Shelby area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.

Dr. Cox's Medicare data spans 5 years, beginning in 2013. Volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2013 before settling at 16 in the most recent data. Changes in Medicare reporting, payer mix shifts, or practice focus adjustments can all influence year-to-year volume.

Dr. Cox's 16 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
16 verified cases
#208 in North Carolina
Estimated total: 40 – 50 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. Cox Compares

Procedure volume compared to the North Carolina state average.

Knee Below Avg
16 Avg: 44
Dr. Cox North Carolina Average

Contact & Location

Phone: 704-323-2000
101 Delta Park Dr
Shelby, NC 28150
NPI: 1376545871
Credentials: MD
Active Medicare provider (NPI verified)
21 years of practice experience
Licensed MD
Licensed surgical specialist
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
Contact information available
Find Practice on Google Maps

Volume Trend Analysis

Dr. Cox's recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2013 and stood at 16 in the most recent data. Year-to-year variation can reflect changes in payer mix, practice scope, or Medicare billing patterns.

Years of Data 5
2023 Volume 16
Peak Volume 34 (2013)
Trend Declining

Hospital Affiliations & Quality

H
Atrium Health Cleveland
★★☆☆☆
Shelby, NC
Similar to national avg
H
Atrium Health Lincoln
★★★★☆
Lincolnton, NC
Low case volume

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. Cox

How does Dr. Cox's procedure volume compare to other North Carolina surgeons?

Dr. Cox has performed 16 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The North Carolina average is 63 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Cox ranks #254 out of 294 orthopedic surgeons in North Carolina.

What types of joint replacement does Dr. Cox perform?

Dr. Cox's reported Medicare volume is focused on knee replacement, with 16 verified procedures. Some surgeons choose to concentrate on a single joint type to build deep procedural expertise.

Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Cox in Shelby?

Yes. There are 4 orthopedic surgeons in Shelby 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 North Carolina surgeons.

What does the Medicare data for Dr. Cox 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. Cox's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 16 procedures shown here.

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

Dr. Cox's Medicare-recorded volume peaked at 34 procedures in 2013 and was 16 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. Cox affiliated with?

According to CMS facility affiliation data, Dr. Cox is affiliated with Atrium Health Cleveland, Atrium Health Lincoln.

How does Dr. Cox compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Shelby?

Among the 4 orthopedic surgeons in Shelby, Dr. Cox ranks #4 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Shelby has 45 verified Medicare procedures.

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

Atrium Health Cleveland (2 out of 5 CMS stars, hip/knee complication rate similar to national average); Atrium Health Lincoln (4 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 Shelby, North Carolina

Dr. Cox's 16 Medicare procedures are below the Shelby average of 28. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Shelby.

SurgeonProceduresSpecialties
Dr. William Stucky 45 Hip, Knee
Dr. Jacob Friedman 33 Hip, Knee
Dr. Patrick Hayes 17 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. Bruce Cox, MD -- Orthopedic Surgeon Profile. Retrieved from https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-bruce-cox-shelby.html

Link: https://orthoprocedures.com/surgeons/nc/dr-bruce-cox-shelby.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.